The English Department congratulates Dr. Andrew McKendry, who was awarded Merited Teacher (merittert underviser) status at this year’s Akademisk Årsfest in recognition of his sustained commitment to educational development for both students and the wider academic community. McKendry was selected in a highly competitive round that attracted 53 applicants from across the university. The committee emphasised that Nord has deliberately set a high threshold for achieving Merited Teacher status.
Merited Teachers
The distinction recognises not only strong teaching and pedagogical development, but also sustained reflection, collegial engagement, and a willingness to share and develop educational practice beyond one’s own immediate teaching context. The merit scheme forms part of a broader national effort to raise the status of teaching in Norwegian higher education. The Government’s 2017 white paper, Quality Culture in Higher Education (Meld. St. 16 (2016–2017)), called on universities and colleges to establish educational merit systems that recognise documented results, reward important development work, and give greater weight to teaching competence throughout academic careers. At Nord, candidates are assessed according to three main criteria: a focus on student learning; systematic and reflective development of teaching and supervision over time; and a collegial approach that contributes to collective development.
In its assessment, the committee described McKendry as an academically strong and empathetic educator with a clear focus on student learning, achievement, and well-being. It highlighted his admirable attention to inclusion, diversity, and universal design, as well as the strong student-centred perspective and theoretical awareness evident in his teaching practice.
Congratulations Dr. McKendry!