Educators of Impact: award-winning staff fostering student success

Photographed above is 2020 Vice-Chancellor Educational Leader Award recipient, Trish Behan.

Trish Behan has been an integral member of Macquarie University English Language Centre (ELC) since 2003. Over her career she has supported students and staff academically and in recent years, she has focused on student mental health and wellbeing in addition to her senior teacher role. Trish has led many projects that have supported learning and teaching and included students as collaborative partners. In 2018, Trish created a workshop to de-stigmatize mental health issues with international students and in 2019, a mental health video titled “You are not alone” was developed.

This video is now used in Macquarie University International College (MUIC) and ELC orientation workshops, Macquarie Business School and features in the MQ Wellbeing App. Trish Behan explains:

It is great to see that my work in this area has not only impacted the ELC and Macquarie University but has reached the international student industry on a national level. Most importantly, student partners have developed a rich understanding of the ethical and culturally sensitive issues international students face daily in Australia.

The Assessment Panel commended the sustained commitment to student and staff mental health as admirable and acknowledged the great sensitivity Trish presented in addressing intercultural considerations. Her impact has been consistent and supported by an excellent range of evidence, with widespread and positive adoption of her work which speaks to its integrity.

The Educational Leader Award recognises educational leadership that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or student experience.

Interested in applying?

Attend the Award Application Writing Workshop on 30th of June for hints, tips and help to make your application competitive.

All Award information including key dates, guidelines and FAQs can be found on the Awards in teaching website. If you have any questions related to this years’ Awards, please contact the Operations Team or refer to these FAQs.