Sphere of impact
The four levels of the Framework are outlined below. They can be characterised in terms of the academic’s sphere of impact in teaching and learning, which expands as they progress to each level. Please note: at level 3, the pathway splits, and individuals may elect to be assessed on the basis of their contributions to education at their home institution, and/or on the basis of their efforts in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Level 1
The effective teacher takes a conscientious and reflective approach, creating positive conditions for student learning and demonstrating effective teaching delivery that develops over time. Their primary sphere of impact is the students they teach and tutor.
Level 2
The skilled and collegial teacher takes an evidence-informed approach to their development as a teacher and provides mentorship to their peers to promote a collegial and collaborative educational environment across their school or discipline. Their sphere of impact encompasses their academic colleagues (as well as students).
Level 3a
The institutional leader in teaching and learning makes a significant contribution to enhancing the environment for inclusion and excellence in teaching and learning within and beyond their institution. Their sphere of impact encompasses the educational environment at their school/university (as well as academic peers and students).
Level 3b
The scholarly teacher makes a significant contribution to pedagogical knowledge by engaging with and contributing to the scholarly research literature which, in turn, influences education practice within and beyond their institution. Their sphere of impact encompasses ‘educational knowledge’ across their institution and within the pedagogical community in their specific fields of interest (as well as on academic peers and students).
Level 4
The national and global leader in teaching and learning makes exceptional contributions to teaching and learning in higher education through national and global influence and leadership in educational practice and/or in pedagogical research. Their sphere of impact encompasses the national/global education community (as well as the relevant spheres noted above).
Career Framework for University Teaching, 2024