The award, given by the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE), recognises his exceptional and sustained contribution to the study, teaching and public advocacy of English over several decades.
The National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE) has presented Professor Robert Eaglestone, from the Department of English at Royal Holloway, with their Outstanding Contribution to English Teaching award for his work championing and supporting the subject.
NATE said that Professor Eaglestone “combined academic distinction with an unwavering commitment to English education at every level”. Citing his influential scholarship, public advocacy for the humanities, widely used publications and extensive engagement with teachers and policymakers, NATE applauded his vision of English which “develops critical thinking, interpretation, empathy and intellectual independence”.
Professor Eaglestone has been a thoughtful and influential voice in policy debates which have helped shape national conversations about the subject. Advocating for more dialogue between secondary and higher education, he has brought together teachers, academics, exam boards and policymakers to support and develop the discipline.
NATE also recognised his significant publications, particularly his book, Doing English, “which has helped countless readers understand not only how to study literature, but why it matters”.
Professor Eaglestone has held leadership roles with the English Association, the Common English Forum and other educational organisations. In 2014 he was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of his contribution to teaching and learning.
After receiving the NATE award, which was presented during a ceremony at the University of Manchester on Tuesday 7 July, Professor Eaglestone said: “I am deeply honoured to be given this award. I’ve been privileged to work with wonderful colleagues and collaborators, teachers, academics and administrators across all areas of English”.
He added: “This is a crucial time for English. A new National Curriculum for primary and secondary education is being drafted this year; the humanities in Higher Education are in peril; some versions of AI are thought to be threatening the subject. We are best placed to face these challenges if the whole subject works together and it’s this joined up thinking that the award recognises”.
Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at Royal Holloway, added: “Professor Eaglestone is an outstanding example of how academic leaders at Royal Holloway combine world-leading research with a transformative influence on the future of education in the UK. Students and colleagues at Royal Holloway are delighted to see this recognition of Bob’s work in and for English”.
