Rachelle O’Brien, a senior learning designer in the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), is a recent recipient of the prestigious National Teaching Fellowship.
The Fellowship is awarded to those who make an outstanding contribution to teaching and inspire their colleagues in higher education.
We took some time out to congratulate Rachelle on her award and get to know her a little better.
Rachelle with her partner Grant
How did you feel when you heard the news that you are a National Teaching Fellow?
Surprised and elated! It has been so affirming to have my work recognised in this way and to see national recognition of the importance of creating inclusive and playful opportunities for learning. Without the wonderful community and colleagues I have around me I’d not be where I am. This award has really encouraged me to keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, to advocate for others and to embrace my divergent approach!
Can you describe your area of work?
I am a digital pedagogy specialist and work predominantly with academic staff supporting with curriculum design. I’m fortunate to have a portion of my role in which I teach. I also work on a project with our incredible students developing the institution-wide Transition to Higher Education course which is undertaken by all incoming foundation and first years. I love the variety I have in my role and the people I get to work with.
What has been your proudest professional moment or project?
I’m fortunate enough to have had many. It was possibly the first time I taught using an Escape Room activity. I realised I’d both got over my fear of public speaking, had stopped forgetting to breathe when I spoke (through nerves) and then I managed to lock myself in my own Escape Room! I kept calm, found the way out of my escape room and was able to turn the experience into a learning opportunity for me and my students. This was the point where I realised that I can teach and I'm pretty good at failing with style.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
The people I work with, whether that be my team, colleagues around the University, the people I teach, students or anybody who wants to talk to me. I love sharing stories, finding out things people are passionate about and working through shared frustrations.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I have a few! I like to garden, especially growing vegetables – we’re having a great chilli crop this year. Walking and training my dogs, being with family, tea drinking, Lego, gaming and reading. I’m also a huge Disney fan. My other big love is experimenting with food and baking. If you come round to my house, I’m highly likely to put a pot of tea on for us, offer you a homegrown cucumber and a wonky slice of cake.
Rachelle in the countryside
Do you have any pets?
Two dogs, my girls. Luna is a yellow Labrador and is almost nine. She’s full of beans and didn’t get the memo about stopping being a puppy. She is the happiest girl and thinks the world exists for her. When she’s really happy she has Dobby ears! Then there is my little Stella, a white Golden Retriever – she’s just two. She’s much more chilled than her big sister and she is learning how to support our family as an autism assistance dog. She loves agility, has failed out of her gundog class because she’s more interested in helping wounded animals than anything (she's been demoted to a silver retriever because of her lack of retrieval skills) and both girls love the forest and love to swim!
Luna and Stella
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
I’m never happier than when I’m in my garden. It’d be a walk with my girls and my partner. A stop off at the local coffee shop on the way home for snacks and the afternoon alternating between sitting on a beanbag watching the birds, reading a book, or building some Lego together. If it was an extra special day I’d have a visit from my favourite people – my piblings (three nieces, a nephew and Waffle the cocker spaniel), my brother and sister-in-law, my mum and my best friend.
Rachelle with her partner Grant and the dogs at the beach