Professional development for junior lecturers

What was the main goal of your project?
The primary goal was to use the Quality Funds to provide support for junior lecturers, ensuring that VU Amsterdam can deliver high-quality and innovative education. This support includes participation in the junior lecturers' network, tailored Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) training, and offering the Pioneers of Education programme, in which they are required to implement an educational innovation.

What concrete results have you achieved with your project?
We have been able to support over 110 junior lecturers, particularly through the tailored Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) for junior lecturers. Additionally, we established the Incubator: a physical space where junior lecturers can gather on Thursdays to discuss educational innovations, teaching dilemmas, work on their projects, organise sessions, or seek other forms of support. Regular community-building sessions are held here, which have already led to several innovative ideas.

What did you personally find the most beautiful or special moment during this project? 
What I personally found the most beautiful or special moment during this project was the creation of the Incubator. It has greatly increased awareness of the programmes we offer to junior lecturers. At the same time, it provides the opportunity to offer tailored support for junior lecturers in their teaching practice, in addition to the existing guidance programmes. The Incubator has now become a model for other forms of community-building within VU Amsterdam.

How has this project contributed to the improvement of education at VU Amsterdam?
This project has contributed to the professional development of junior lecturers, enabling them to deliver high-quality education and uphold the teaching standards at VU Amsterdam. These young lecturers stand out for their enthusiasm, approachability towards students, and innovative methods, helping to make education more future-proof. Over the past few years, thousands of students taught by these junior lecturers have benefited from this. We hope to continue this successful support for junior lecturers on the same scale within VU!