Mayo academic recognised in prestigious Regional Teaching Excellence Award
TWO Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academics, Dr. Síle Ní Choincheannain and Mayo native Dr. Cian O’Brien, have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to teaching and learning through their shortlisting for the 2024/25 Regional Teaching Excellence Award (RTEA).
The prestigious award celebrates excellence in higher education teaching across the Shannon region, with this year’s winners and nominees honoured at a ceremony held at the Millennium Theatre in the Technological University of the Shannon.
Dr. Ní Choincheannain, lecturer in education with expertise in Irish in MIC’s Department of Language and Literacy Education, and Dr. O’Brien, from Castlebar, a lecturer in mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Studies, were among seven exceptional educators from MIC, University of Limerick (UL) and TUS shortlisted for the award.
Dr. O’Brien, like his colleague, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating: “It is an honour to be nominated for this award. Preparing the teaching portfolio and reflecting on my practices was a very rewarding experience. Being shortlisted so early in my career is a meaningful recognition of my effort to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
“I feel encouraged to keep growing as an educator and continue learning from my students and colleagues.”
The RTEA is a collaborative initiative between MIC, UL and TUS. Since its establishment, the award has aimed to recognise and promote outstanding teaching practice in higher education across the Shannon region. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes the submission of a detailed teaching portfolio drawing on multiple sources of evidence of excellence.
Dr. Katherine Whitehurst, Director of Teaching and Learning at MIC’s Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) Centre, commented: “The Regional Teaching Excellence Award celebrates teaching excellence amongst higher education teachers from the Shannon region. It is an opportunity to showcase best practice and recognise the innovative approaches taken by educators in the classroom.
“This year LEAD is delighted to see two MIC academics shortlisted for the Regional Teaching Excellence Award. We believe their work exemplifies best practice in the college, with their commitment to teaching excellence demonstrated by their inspiring approach to teaching.”
Short-listing for the 2025/26 Regional Teaching Excellence Awards will open in October 2025.