Northumbria academic in finals of law teacher awards

Kim Blackie who works in the School of Law has reached the final stage of assessment for this year's coveted Law Teacher of the Year award.

The national award is aimed at recognising the vital role that teachers play in the education of tomorrow's lawyers, and rewarding achievement in teaching. Since its launch in 2004, the success of the award has relied on those that know the candidates best - teachers and students - to send in their nominations.

The award is the only one of its kind in the UK set up specifically to reward innovative teaching in law and Kim will go forward for a chance to win a cash prize and the title Law Teacher of the Year 2012.

For the final stage of the assessment a judging panel will visit the University to observe and film Kim as she teaches. They will also conduct a series of interviews with Kim, fellow colleagues, students and the head of department.

Kim's nomination was based on her excellence as a face-to-face law teacher who helps to bring the law to life for her students and also on her leadership of pioneering work to create accessible, intuitive and high quality electronic resources to support student learning.

Kevin Kerrigan, Acting Dean of the School of Law said: "Kim’s leadership of the School’s web based learning project is an exemplar of active engagement with new approaches to learning.  She has coordinated a revolutionary approach which provides not just webcasts for students but an integrated, high quality, learning package which addresses student desires to blend mobile and face-to-face learning.  I am delighted her work is being recognised through this award scheme."

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in February 2012.