From University Teaching Qualification to Senior Teaching Qualification
- In short
- 1. Introductory meeting
- 2. STQ Portfolio track
- 3. Writing retreat
What is the course about?
Would you like to obtain your Senior Teaching Qualification ( STQ) as a lecturer? You can do so by demonstrating - through your portfolio - that you are experienced and have developed a broad view of the profession. However, writing your portfolio can be quite a challenge:
It can be difficult to understand exactly what you need to know and be able to do in order to submit your portfolio successfully - especially because the requirements differ per faculty.
- What should such a portfolio look like?
- How should it be written?
- How does the process work?
- Figuring this all out on your own can take a lot of time, without any guarantee that you are doing it correctly. You may doubt whether you are already “ready” for it.
- On a practical level, freeing up the time needed to work on your portfolio can be challenging.
- Sometimes you may not be able to find the educational information you need - such as articles and sources - to substantiate your teaching vision.
In this course, we offer three options to help you with these challenges:
- A kick-off afternoon.
- An STQ portfolio programme.
- A writing retreat.
What will this course offer me as a professional?
After completing this course, you will have written (the foundation for) your SKO portfolio. In addition, you will be able to look at education at curriculum level, and you will know how to involve colleagues in a shared vision on education.
The course also provides an environment in which you will find the time, calm, and space to work on your portfolio. We can advise you and clarify what your portfolio needs to meet - both in terms of UU-wide criteria and the faculty-specific procedures regarding content and format.
Is this course right for me?
The From BKO to SKO course is intended for all lecturers who want to obtain their Senior Teaching Qualification (SKO). The different components of the course are designed to reduce stress and remove uncertainty around writing your SKO portfolio. You will also have the chance to discuss the process of having to profile yourself - and what you may encounter about yourself along the way - with other participants. In addition, you will receive feedback from them on your writing. Finally, you will help keep each other motivated and accountable to complete the portfolio work.
Education for professionals at Utrecht University
If you take this course, you are guaranteed high-quality education at our broadly oriented, international research university. In addition, we are the only university in the Netherlands that conducts scientific research into how professionals learn. This means our teaching approach is specifically tailored to your needs as a professional.
Within our professional education offering, our leading scholars share their up-to-date knowledge with you. At the same time, participants contribute their practical expertise, which leads to new insights you can apply directly in your work. By taking part, you also become part of a relevant professional network.
What is the structure of the course?
The kick-off session lasts 4 hours, the portfolio programme consists of four sessions of 2 hours, and the writing retreat lasts 2 days. You can choose which components you would like to take part in. During the sessions, you will receive guidance on the process of presenting yourself as a senior lecturer through your STQ portfolio.
Where is this course held?
The sessions take place at Utrecht Science Park. On the Utrecht Science Park website, you can find an overview of the the different routes and travel options You can also view this overview of paid parking options.
How do I register?
Great to hear you’re interested in exploring or working on your STQ portfolio. Below, you can register for the individual components of this course.
1. Introductory meeting
In this half day meeting, we will explore the meaning of “seniority in education” by looking at role models and the STQ-criteria. We will examine which activities and experiences are typically part of an STQ-portfolio. Finally, you will determine how your experiences at STQ level compare with the criteria. Based on this you can choose what your next steps in the process will be, which may include participation in portfolio trajectory or the writing retreat.
STQ: Portfolio trajectory
The portfolio trajectory consists of 4 meetings. In between the meetings you will write text for your STQ portfolio. Meetings start with (peer-)feedback on each other’s texts. Based on the written text and the UU STQ criteria, we will discuss inspiring topics which will help you expand and deepen the content of your portfolio. At the end of the trajectory, you will have written parts of your portfolio.
STQ: Writing retreat
For many senior teaching finishing their STQ-portfolio is difficult due to lack of time or uncertainties about the criteria for the STQ application. Participating in the writing-retreat is an incentive and a support for finishing the STQ-portfolio. Two full days in peace to concentrate on writing your portfolio: that is what the writing retreat is about. The course leaders will be available to read your texts and provide you with feedback and support you, for example with finding suitable literature.
Questions?
Do you have questions? First check whether your question is answered in the FAQ below. If not, please contact us at: onderwijsadviesentraining@uu.nl or +31 (0)30 253 2261.
About Education development & training
Education development & training supports education professionals throughout their careers. We provide tailored solutions for educational challenges and offer educational advice to schools and programmes. We connect knowledge from science with educational practice to arrive at new perspectives. Education Development & Training is part of Utrecht University. Payment and cancellation terms and conditions apply to all services.
General questions about Education for Professionals
Do you have a general question about Education for Professionals at Utrecht University? The best way to contact us is by emailing: professionals@uu.nl. You can also call us on weekdays at +31 (0)30 253 1018.
Questions about your career or a programme
Do you have questions about your career or a programme? Our Lifelong Learning programme advisor, Afke van der Velden, will be happy to help you via: a.i.s.vandervelden@uu.nl.
Payment and cancellation terms
Payment and cancellation terms and conditions apply to all services provided by Education Development & Training
Want to read more?
Would you like to read more in advance about writing your SKO portfolio? In this PDF, you’ll find some useful tips & tricks!