The FINANCIAL — An Aston University senior lecturer has won the prestigious Law Teacher of the Year Award 2013.
Odette Hutchinson, course director for the Graduate Diploma in Law, was one of only six academics in the UK to be shortlisted for the Award, which is sponsored by Oxford University Press.
This national award recognises the vital role that teachers play in the education of lawyers and rewards outstanding teaching. The teachers have been judged on their approaches to inspirational teaching, commitment to student support, effective and engaging communication and involvement in extracurricular activities that enhance the learning of students and colleagues. The award is the only one of its kind in the UK set up specifically to reward outstanding law teaching.
Odette Hutchinson, who teaches criminal law and business ethics, said: "I'm overwhelmed. It is an honour to be named Law Teacher of the Year. This award puts teaching, learning and the student experience at the forefront of its aims.
"The award finalists are all outstanding teachers who are pushing the boundaries of legal education and work innovation. I’m extremely fortunate to work for an institution that puts students at the centre of what they do. I owe special thanks to Professor Jill Poole and Debbie Stringer who nominated me, and Dr Ryan Murphy who supported the nomination. I work with an exceptional group of lawyers who are committed to excellence in legal education.”
Professor Jill Poole, Head of Aston Law and Deputy Dean of Aston Business School said: “Odette has been an invaluable source of support and inspiration for students and colleagues. She is always the first to volunteer, whether it is running open days, AimHigher, marketing liaison, sustainability, strategy team and the list could go on. Odette is always looking to find new and improved ways of delivering and enhancing the student experience.”
Odette’s commitment to teaching has been reflected in her appointment to the role of Teaching Champion for Aston Business School.
As Aston University announced, in 2010 she received the Inspiration and Innovation Award and the award of Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the Aston Excellence Awards in 2011.
Aston Law comprises a specialist group of academics based at the internationally acclaimed Aston Business School.
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