Teaching Development and Recognition

The Hanken Support Foundation provides funding to encourage and enable innovative teaching development projects that require extra time and are of a one-off nature. These projects must align with Hanken’s strategic goals and follow the university’s pedagogical guidelines.

Funding is intended for initiatives that enhance teaching quality, foster collaboration, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Projects should demonstrate pedagogical impact, benefits for students and colleagues, and, where relevant, connections to external partners or corporate engagement. Project funding is announced at the beginning of the year in the Teaching Lab newsletter. 

Maximum funding per project: €2,000.
Strategically important projects may apply for a higher amount, provided this has been discussed and agreed upon with the Dean of Education prior to submitting the application.

External funding: If the project seeks additional funding (e.g., Engage seed funding), this must be indicated in the application.

Focus for 2026 (yearly focused section)

For 2026, the priority themes are:

• AI-Enhanced Teaching - Support projects that integrate generative AI responsibly into teaching practices, with strong connections to real-world applications.
   
• Inclusive Learning Design - Foster initiatives that advance equity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and accessibility to meet the needs of diverse student populations.

While these themes are not mandatory, proposals aligned with one of these areas will be prioritized in the selection process. 

Application Criteria:

1.   Project Description
•    Objectives, methodology, target group, expected results.
•    Indicate course(s), number of students, and duration.

2.   Pedagogical Relevance & Impact
•    How does the project improve teaching and learning?
•    Benefits for students and colleagues; alignment with Hanken’s strategy.

3.   Collaboration & Engagement
•    Internal and external collaboration (institutions, subjects, study sites, corporate partners).
•    Describe stakeholder involvement and expected outcomes.

4.   Innovation
•    How does the project differ from your usual teaching and planning?

5.   Budget
•    Detailed budget including VAT; specify roles and responsibilities.
•    Eligible costs: hiring assistants or PhD students for development work, software, databases, literature, training.
•    Funding cannot cover regular teaching duties.

6.   Timetable
•    Realistic schedule for implementation.

7.   Attachments
•    Letters of support, quotes, collaboration agreements, or other relevant documentation.

Applications must be prepared in consultation with the programme coordinator or head of subject to ensure alignment with subject needs. Application form can be access here: will be published soon

Applications are assessed by the Teaching Evaluation Committee (TEC), and decisions are made by the Rector.

Academic teaching staff are encouraged to apply for seed-funding for the joint development of new courses and/or teaching formats for up to €10,000.

Funding can be used for personnel costs, travel, meetings and events, for the production of course materials, training or similar. The seed funding call aims to attract courses and other teaching offers that are collaborative, credit-bearing and with the potential to reach a high number of students. To qualify, the proposed initiative must include colleagues from at least three partner universities in the alliance and be linked to the ENGAGE.EU mission: https://www.engageuniversity.eu/mission/

For more information about the guidelines and application form, please visit the ENGAGE.EU Academic Initiative Incubator website: https://www.engageuniversity.eu/academic-initiative-incubator-call-2026/

As part of Hanken’s commitment to rewarding pedagogical impact, the Top Evaluated Courses initiative highlights courses that have received positive student feedback. Each year, courses from the previous academic year that meet the following criteria receive the Gold Stamp:

•    An average score of at least 4.0 on all three core questions in the course evaluation form
•    A documented teacher response to the feedback provided in the evaluation
•    A minimum response rate of 35% in the course evaluation

The Gold Stamp serves as recognition at the Impact level of Hanken’s Teaching Incentive and Recognition Pyramid. It acknowledges educators whose efforts have demonstrably improved student learning and course development. 
The courses that have received a Gold Stamps can be seen in Power BI-Course feedback statistic.   

Each year, Hanken recognises teachers who have made a significant contribution to the development of teaching. The award highlights initiatives that demonstrate clear pedagogical impact and align with Hanken’s strategic goals. 

Nomination and Application Process
Nominations can be submitted by heads- of department, subject, colleagues, or by the teachers themselves. If a nomination is submitted by someone other than the teacher, it is recommended that the nominee contributes to describing the development work and its outcomes.

To ensure a fair and transparent evaluation, nominations must clearly outline the rationale for the award and follow the application guidelines. The Teaching Evaluation Committee (TEC) reviews all applications, and the final decision is made by the Rector.

Criteria and Application
To be considered for the Teaching Award, the application must demonstrate clear pedagogical impact and align with Hanken’s strategic goals. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

•    Alignment with course-level learning outcomes and demonstrated improvement in student learning
•    Development of teaching methods that support Hanken’s strategic focus areas
•    Corporate collaboration or integration of real-world relevance into teaching
•    Evidence of broader impact, such as influence on students’ learning experience or on colleagues’ teaching practices
•    Cross-disciplinary or cross-campus collaboration in teaching development
•    Use of innovative approaches or technologies, including AI, to enhance student engagement and learning

To be awarded, the initiative must stand out in terms of quality, relevance, and impact. Applications should clearly describe the development work, its outcomes, and how it contributes to pedagogical advancement at Hanken.

Award recognition
The award is presented annually at the Rector’s Christmas Coffee. The number of awards may vary depending on the quality and number of nominations received. The call for nominations is announced via the Hanken website and the Teaching Lab newsletter.

Submit your application/nomination here by Nov 30, 2025 (form active from 1.11.2025)

1. Introduction
The Excellence Teacher Award recognizes outstanding teaching practices that foster student learning, engagement, and innovation. It serves as a quality benchmark for pedagogical excellence at Hanken and highlights teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and who actively contribute to the development of pedagogical practices within the academic community.
This award represents the highest level in Hanken’s teaching development pathway: Educate → Develop → Impact → Acknowledge → Excellence. Teaching excellence is awarded with a time-bound salary supplement of 300 euros per month (for 4 years) and can be re-applied for after that period.

Why does excellence matter?
Excellent teaching is fundamental to student success, institutional quality, and societal impact. By recognizing excellence, Hanken affirms its commitment to inspiring education that is research-informed, inclusive, and future-oriented.

Who is the award for?
This recognition is intended for faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student learning and pedagogical development, and who advance Hanken’s strategic vision through leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. An excellent teacher improves student learning outcomes and actively supports colleagues’ pedagogical growth.

Definition of Excellence

• Teaching Philosophy – Clear articulation of beliefs and values about teaching and learning.
• Pedagogy in Practice – Implementation of philosophy through effective, innovative teaching methods.
• Integration of Research – Use of research to inform teaching and enhance student learning.
• Pedagogical Development – Continuous improvement through training, reflection, and innovation.
• Leadership and Collaboration – Active contribution to colleagues’ development and curriculum initiatives.
• Societal Impact – Prepare students for responsible roles in business and society.
• Self-Reflection – Ongoing critical evaluation of teaching practices and growth over time.

Eligibility
•    Be a current faculty member with continuous employment and teaching responsibilities at Hanken. 
•    Have completed pedagogical training of at least 25 credits (e.g., university pedagogy courses or equivalent studies). 

2. Criteria for Demonstrating Excellence
To be awarded Excellent Teacher, applicants must:                                                                                                                
i) Demonstrate both ‘Educational Excellence’ (Criteria A) and ‘Sharing Educational Knowledge’ (Criteria B) as described in the instructions (below).

ii) Provide evidence from all sections of Criteria A and B. The evidence should show not only strong performance in the classroom but also leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement that benefits students, colleagues, and the wider academic community.  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A. Educational Excellence 

• Continuous Development for Better Learning: Defining specific objectives for improving teaching and learning, documenting results of actions taken and achieved outcomes, showing measurable or observable improvements in student learning, and using concrete examples and references to educational research. 

Examples: Redesigning a course based on student feedback, publishing an article on teaching methods, creating new learning materials, leading a teaching seminar, implementing active learning strategies.

• Pedagogical Competence: Demonstrating improvement in teaching and learning practices. 

Examples: Completing pedagogical training, applying new assessment methods, integrating inclusive teaching practices, using learning analytics to improve outcomes.

• Recognition and Impact: Consistently delivering high-quality teaching evidenced by strong course evaluations, awards, appointments, or other forms of professional appreciation. 

Examples: Receiving a teaching award, being invited to speak at a teaching conference, improved course evaluation scores over time. 

• Pedagogical Leadership: Exercising leadership beyond formal roles.                                                              

Examples: Initiating curriculum development projects, chairing teaching committees, leading institutional teaching initiatives, coordinating peer-learning networks, acting as program director or coordinator. 

• Integration of Research: Illustrating how research informs teaching practices and enhances student learning.

Examples: Incorporating current research findings into course content, using research-based teaching methods, publishing pedagogical research, and supervising research-based student projects.

B. Sharing Educational Knowledge

• Collaboration and Mentorship: Mentoring colleagues or participating in peer evaluations, supporting colleagues and contributing to teaching development

Examples: Co-teaching with peers, mentoring junior faculty in course design, providing informal peer feedback, participating in teaching committees. 

• Learning Environment and Societal Connection: Creating inclusive, engaging learning environments, and connecting teaching to real-world challenges and societal responsibility.

Examples: Integrating sustainability and ethics into assignments, using case studies from current business challenges, designing projects with societal impact. 

• Self-Evaluation: Constructively reflecting on own teaching and role as an educator, considering feedback from students and peers, and anchoring educational choices in pedagogical literature or research. 

Examples: Writing a reflective teaching statement, revising course design based on evaluations, documenting changes linked to pedagogical theory and themes. 

• Contribution and Impact: Initiating seminars, discussions, conferences, or research projects; developing teaching materials for common use.

Examples: Organizing a teaching workshop, creating open educational resources, publishing teaching guides, leading a pedagogical research project. 

3. Application Process
The application needs to include the following: 
•    Application Form – A concise statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria of all sections of criteria A and B. 
•    Teaching Portfolio
•    Appendices – Supporting documents (syllabi, feedback summaries, awards, certificates).
•    Recommendation Statement from Head of department or Head of subject.

Instructions:
•    Be clear and systematic; avoid vague statements.
•    Provide evidence for claims (data, examples, materials).
•    Show continuous development – not only courses but also innovations, research, and new teaching practices.
•    Attach all required documents in PDF format.
•    The committee may request additional information if needed.

Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application:

Step 1: Review the Criteria
•    Carefully read the eligibility requirements and excellence criteria (Sections A and B).
•    Ensure you meet both sets of criteria before proceeding.

Step 2: Draft Your Application
•    Prepare a concise statement explaining how you meet the criteria.
•    Use clear, evidence-based examples (student feedback, course materials, innovations).
•    Plan your text in a separate document before filling in the online form.

Step 3: Compile Your Teaching Portfolio
•    Include course materials, student evaluations, integration of research, and development activities.
•    Highlight continuous improvement and pedagogical leadership.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
•    Attach syllabi, feedback summaries, awards, certificates.
•    Include the Recommendation Statement from your Head or subject or department (mandatory).

Step 5: Submit via Online Form
•    Access the application form:  https://forma.hanken.fi/lomakkeet/3961/lomake.html?rinnakkaislomake=exc… and submit it by the stated deadlines (deadline three times a year): 30.4, 31.8, 31.12.  
•    Upload all required documents in PDF format.
•    Ensure all fields are completed applications cannot be saved mid-process.

Step 6: Confirmation and Review
•    The Teaching Evaluation Committee (TEC) may request additional information.
•    Decisions are made by the Rector after TEC’s recommendation.
 

4. Re-evaluation Criteria (Continuation of Excellence Status)
Re-evaluation considers both continued excellence in teaching (Criteria A) and ongoing contributions to knowledge sharing (Criteria B): 

• Sustained Excellence – Continued high-quality teaching and strong evaluations.
• Ongoing Pedagogical Development – Additional training, innovations, and research since the last award.
• Updated Teaching Portfolio – Evidence of new practices, materials, and impact.
• Leadership and Contribution – Continued engagement in mentoring, curriculum development, and knowledge sharing.
• Reflection and Growth – Demonstrated evolution of teaching philosophy and practice.

Application form: https://forma.hanken.fi/lomakkeet/3969/lomake.html?rinnakkaislomake=ree…