This summer, five university lecturers were appointed as senior university lecturers in accordance with the university’s new career model. An event celebrating their accomplishments was held in Joensuu this Monday.
“At UEF, a career model for teachers was introduced this year. Aalto University was the first to introduce its career model for teachers, and we were the second Finnish university to introduce ours,” Human Resources Director Jouni Kekäle says.
Monday’s event was dedicated to celebrating the first senior university lecturers on the third stage of the university’s four-stage career model.
“A completely new title was introduced for the third stage of the career model, i.e. that of a Senior University Lecturer,” Academic Rector Harri Siiskonen notes.
Last spring, the principles relating to the third stage of the career model were discussed by the UEF Leadership Group, by the steering committees of the faculties, and by the university’s Cooperation Committee.
According to Kekäle, it was decided that in addition to a doctoral degree and excellent teaching skills, successful and continuous development of teaching would also be emphasised in the selection.
“We also value involvement in national discussion relating to the development of teaching,” Siiskonen adds.
The appointment proposals go to the Academic Rector via the deans. The appointments are made purely based on personal achievements.
“In other words, we did not define any faculty- or unit-specific quotas but wanted the title to be tied to personal achievements.”
Newly appointed senior university lecturers: Kari Sormunen (on the left.), Martti Siekkinen, Mervi Asikainen and Arto Nevala. Sirpa Kärkkäinen is missing from the photo.
A pioneering career model
Roses were given to the newly appointed senior university lecturers and, according to Siiskonen, the new contracts of employment serve as certificates of honour.
Senior University Lecturer Kari Sormunen and Senior University Lecturer Martti Siekkinen from the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education are pleased with the new career model.
“Together with Aalto University, we are pioneers in this area. It’s great that the career model for teachers ended up being taken into use at UEF relatively quickly.”
Senior University Lecturer Arto Nevala from the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies also appreciates the fact teachers now have better opportunities to advance in their career. Senior University Lecturer Mervi Asikainen from the Department of Physics and Mathematics, on the other hand, says that she was pleasurably surprised by the appointment.
“Especially now that I see the company my new title puts me in.”
