Dutch Universities Mutually Recognize the Senior Teaching Qualification (STQ)

Dutch universities have decided to mutually recognize the Senior Teaching Qualification (STQ). This marks an important step in further strengthening the quality and collaboration within university education. This development builds on the successful national recognition of the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ), which has contributed to the professionalization of teaching staff in higher education since 2008.

The STQ is aimed at experienced lecturers who play a leading role in improving education, curriculum innovation, and programme-level renewal. The University of Groningen has offered its own STQ programme since the 2015-2016 academic year, available in both Dutch and English. Each spring and fall, Educational Support & Innovation (ESI) organizes an edition of the STQ programme, for which each faculty may nominate two candidates. With the newly established mutual recognition, senior lecturers who obtain the qualification at one university will no longer need to re-obtain it at other universities. This enhances the mobility of teaching professionals and the exchange of expertise between universities.

The universities have jointly developed a framework and a declaration outlining the requirements for an STQ. To do this, they compared all existing STQ programmes and determined the criteria that an STQ must meet. Within this framework, universities can design their own STQ programmes, ensuring both diversity and quality. Universities currently developing an STQ can align with the framework, ensuring their qualification will also be recognized in the future.

This mutual recognition also aligns well with the Recognition and Rewards programme, which focuses on career development, professional growth, and the recognition of diverse contributions by teaching professionals.

The declaration and framework will be evaluated and updated or adjusted as needed after approximately two years.