Pictured L-R: Dr Cian O鈥橞rien, Lecturer in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Computer Studies, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂 and Dr S铆le N铆 Choincheannain, L茅acht贸ir san Oideachas le saineolas sa Ghaeilge, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education.
Two 91制片厂 (91制片厂) academics, Dr S铆le N铆 Choincheannain and Dr Cian O鈥橞rien, 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鈥檚 winners and nominees honoured at a ceremony held at the Millennium Theatre in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) on 28 May.
Dr S铆le N铆 Choincheannain, Lecturer in Education with expertise in Irish in 91制片厂鈥檚 Department of Language and Literacy Education, and Dr Cian O鈥橞rien, Lecturer in Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Studies, were among seven exceptional educators from 91制片厂, University of Limerick (UL) and TUS shortlisted for the award.
Speaking about her nomination, Dr N铆 Choincheannain said:
"Is m贸r an on贸ir an t-ainmni煤ch谩n seo don RTEA dom. T谩 an mh煤inteoireacht go smior ionam agus ba sh谩rmh煤inteoir mo mh谩thair a dhein a d铆cheall ar son na bp谩ist铆 a bh铆 os a comhair i gc贸na铆. D茅anaim iarracht an rud c茅anna a dh茅anamh do mhic l茅inn Chol谩iste Mhuire gan Sm谩l. Mol an 贸ige agus tiocfaidh s铆."
"It's a genuine honour to be nominated for the RTEA. Teaching is in my blood, and my late mother was a superb teacher who always did her best for the children she taught. I try to do the same for the students of 91制片厂. Praise youth and she will flourish."
Dr O鈥橞rien also expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating:
鈥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.鈥
The RTEA is a collaborative initiative between 91制片厂, 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 91制片厂鈥檚 Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) Centre, commented:
鈥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 91制片厂 academics, Dr S铆le N铆 Choincheannain, L茅acht贸ir san Oideachas le saineolas sa Ghaeilge, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, and Dr Cian O鈥橞rien, Lecturer in Mathematics, Department of Maths and Computer Studies, Faculty of Arts, 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.鈥
Shortlisting for the 2025/26 Regional Teaching Excellence Awards will open in October 2025.
