NEWS Since 2014, more than 425 teachers have been appointed within Umeå University's model for the recognition of teaching qualifications. In spring 2026, 25 teachers were recognised for their pedagogical competence: 18 as Recognised Teachers and 7 as Distinguished Teachers.
Applications to the model are handled by the respective faculties. There is also a Committee for the Recognition of Teaching Qualifications, comprising faculty representatives, students, representatives from the Centre for Educational Development (UPL), and two Distinguished Teachers. The committee’s task is to ensure the quality of the model by promoting equivalent assessment of pedagogical competence across the faculties and by recommending decisions to the faculties based on evaluations conducted by pedagogical experts.
Pontus Bergh (Unit of Police Work) and Sofia Mattsson (Department of Medical and Translational Biology) currently serve on the committee as Distinguished Teachers. In this role, they contribute perspectives drawn both from their own qualification journey and from experience of pedagogical assessment. Here, they share more about their role on the committee, the significance of the model, and their advice to colleagues considering applying.
Pontus and Sofia, what is your role on the committee?
We are co-opted members, which means that we do not participate in decisions, but we can contribute perspectives on how the model works from an applicant’s point of view, says Sofia. And we can also contribute experience from serving as pedagogical experts at other universities, adds Pontus.
What function does the model serve at Umeå University, in your view?
I believe it helps make teaching at our university even better by encouraging teachers to develop their pedagogical competence in higher education, says Pontus. The model is also a career opportunity for teachers and highlights the teaching and pedagogical development work taking place across the university, says Sofia.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying?
Apply! Writing a pedagogical portfolio provides insight into how your teaching influences student learning and helps you recognise your own pedagogical development, says Sofia.
Take time to understand what recognition of teaching qualifications involves and what is required to become a Recognised Teacher. Seek support from colleagues and consider participating in UPL’s workshops, advises Pontus.
All teachers appointed within the model receive a diploma, a pin, and a salary increase. Distinguished Teachers are also recognised during the university’s Annual Celebration, where they are invited to participate in pedagogical discussions and are presented in the official programme.
The next application period for the model for the recognition of teaching qualifications will be 14 August to 15 September 2026.
Faculty of Social Sciences
Karina Lundborg, Associate professor, Department of Social Work
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Anna-Lill Drugge, Associate professor, Department of Language Studies
Erika Sturk, Associate professor, Department of Language Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology
Anders Rebbling, Associate professor, Department of Applied Physics and Electronics
Jonas Westin, Associate professor, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Faculty of Medicine
Maria Gustafsson, Professor, Department of Medical and Translational Biology
Maria Lindström, Associate professor, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health
Faculty of Social Sciences
Christin Johansson, Lecturer, Department of Social Work
Johanna Lauri, Associate professor, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS)
Hanna Lövgren, Lecturer, Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science
Sofia Molander, Associate professor, Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Business Administration
Daniel Nyström, Associate professor, Department of Education
Daniel Skog, Associate professor, Department of Informatics
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Karin S Lindelöf, Associate professor, Department of Culture and Media Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology
Daniel Bergner, Lecturer, Department of Science and Mathematics Education
Jerker Fick, Associate professor, Department of Chemistry
Mehdi Moradi, Associate professor, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Carina Widebo, Lecturer, Department of Science and Mathematics Education
Faculty of Medicine
Alexander Shayesteh Afshar, Associate professor, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
Elisabeth Johansson, Associate professor, Department of Odontology
Susanne Lindqvist, Associate professor, Department of Odontology
Olivia Wesula Lwande, Researcher, Department of Clinical Microbiology
Anna Myleus, Assistant professor, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
Johan Sommar, Associate professor, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health
Nikolai Stenfors, Associate professor, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
