Remko van der Vos has been working at VU Amsterdam for a long time. Since several years he no longer supports only the teacher training programs, but works broadly for the Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences (FGB) as a policy officer. Who is Remko, and what drives him?
In a few words, what is your role within FGB?
I am an education policy officer. We are a small team of four policy officers led by education director Kirsten Bijker. We support programme directors and lecturers in the areas of education policy and quality assurance. At the moment, I am mainly busy with the programme review of Pedagogical Sciences, which will take place this spring. These are busy times, because many other programmes are also approaching their six-yearly programme review. It is always exciting to see how a panel assesses the quality of our education, but at the same time it is also rewarding and meaningful to work on this together.
What has been your career path at VU Amsterdam?
I started working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1995 and have never left. I started as a conscientious objector (recognised conscientious objector) at the VU Cultural Centre, where I worked in the theatre for many years. In 2001, I moved to the teacher training programme, which was an independent institute at the time. After the Education Centre was closed down, the teacher training programme moved to the faculty (then still FPP), and so did I. For a number of years now, I have not only been supporting the teacher training programmes, but also working broadly for the faculty as a policy officer.
What are you most proud of?
Actually, I am especially proud of VU Amsterdam and FGB. Of course, things go wrong here too, but I see many people working together to make the faculty and VU Amsterdam better and more beautiful. I am glad that I can contribute to that. A few years ago, I almost “collapsed” due to unpleasant experiences at work (that happens here too!). I am proud that I got through this thanks to the wonderful people around me, and I am now even more motivated to contribute to the faculty and the VU.
What is your biggest challenge at the moment?
My biggest challenge at the moment is dividing my time between my various tasks. In addition to my work as a policy officer, I am a member of the Works Council, and in March I will join the executive committee. It is a challenge to have a real influence on the management of the VU as a representative body, with all the problems that are at stake. Really listening to each other is often a challenge for both parties. But it is a prerequisite for moving forward.
And something else about yourself: what do you do when you're not working?
I love being outdoors, walking, cycling long distances (preferably with a tent and cooking kit), sailing and doing fun things with our family. I also enjoy cooking and singing in a chamber choir. I am concerned about the various (environmental) crises and the world our children are growing up in. I try to make conscious choices and live life to the fullest.
