Leeds Beckett’s Belinda Cooke receives award for excellence in teaching

This is the most prestigious national award for excellence in Higher Education teaching and recognises those who have strived to make an impact on student experience and teaching outcomes.

Professor Ruth Pickford, Director of the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) at Leeds Beckett University, said: “I have had the privilege of working closely with, and learning from, Belinda for over fifteen years.

“Many will know Belinda from her work as an academic and Head of Subject in the Carnegie School of Sport where, for many years, with the drive and desire to see the best outcomes for students and colleagues, she has been extremely effective in enhancing and transforming students’ learning experiences.

“Belinda’s passion, commitment and innovative approach to inclusive practice is contagious and her high-level understanding of Higher Education teaching and learning and support of colleagues has been hugely impactful across and beyond Leeds Beckett.

“Belinda is an amazingly generous, thoughtful and empathetic colleague and a real team player. I could not be more delighted for her!”

Belinda Cooke has more than 30 years of experience in Higher Education, and has a reputation for always striving to contribute to excellent teaching and learning outcomes within the field. Her work as a University Teacher Fellow and now as a Centre for Learning and Teaching Associate will continue to be committed to promoting and enhancing inclusive practices within Higher Education.

Belinda Cooke said: “I have worked at Leeds Beckett for a very long time, beginning as a part time lecturer when my three sons were not yet at school. Two of my sons now teach in the Carnegie School of Sport and my husband works at Leeds Beckett too, so we have a strong family connection here.”