Two University of Queensland staff have been awarded top industry accolades for outstanding English language teaching, leadership and professional practice.
Stephen Heap and Vicki Bos from UQ’s Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ) were presented with the prestigious English Australia Awards in Melbourne.
ICTE-UQ Director Christine Bundesen said the awards were a testament to the high standard of English language teaching at UQ.
“It is incredibly exciting to see ICTE-UQ staff honoured on the national stage for their achievements,” she said.
TESOL Director of Studies Mr Heap won the Award for Academic Leadership for his significant contribution to building leadership skills among his peers.
English Australia Executive Director Sue Blundell said the award paid tribute to Mr Heap’s longstanding commitment to developing and delivering the International Diploma of Language Teaching Management.
“Stephen is an outstanding academic leader who is held in high regard by his colleagues at ICTE-UQ, as well as by many throughout Australia and abroad,” she said.
More than 200 teachers and academic managers have successfully completed the diploma since it launched in 2000. It was developed by ICTE-UQ in collaboration with the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment and World Learning SIT Graduate Institute.
ICTE-UQ language teacher Ms Bos won the Award for Contribution to Professional Practice for her 2014 English Australia Conference presentation “Perfect Harmony, The Choral Experience”.
The presentation was based on Ms Bos’ highly successful approach to teaching English through group singing.
Ms Bos started the ICTE-UQ Chorus in 2008 to give students a fun way to improve their language skills, build confidence and make friends.
The chorus performs regularly at ICTE-UQ and at local events in Brisbane and will make its first national appearance later this month when it enters the online “Sing for Spring” competition.
More than 2,500 students and professionals from more than 40 countries learn English at ICTE-UQ each year.
Media: Communications officer Frances Wickerson, 07 3346 6712 or f.wickerson@icte.uq.edu.au
