NEWS Since 2014, more than 425 teachers have been appointed within ͯÑÕÊÓƵ'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, Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Anna-Lill Drugge, Senior Lecturer, Department of Language Studies
Erika Sturk, Senior Lecturer, Department of Language Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology
Anders Rebbling, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Physics and Electronics
Jonas Westin, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Faculty of Medicine
Maria Gustafsson, Professor, Department of Medical and Translational Biology
Maria Lindström, Senior Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health
Faculty of Social Sciences
Christin Johansson, University Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Social Work
Johanna Lauri, Senior Lecturer, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS)
Hanna Lövgren, University Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science
Sofia Molander, Senior Lecturer, Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Business Administration
Daniel Nyström, Senior Lecturer, Department of Education
Daniel Skog, Senior Lecturer, Department of Informatics
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Karin S Lindelöf, Senior Lecturer, Department of Culture and Media Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology
Daniel Bergner, University Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Science and Mathematics Education
Jerker Fick, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry
Mehdi Moradi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Carina Widebo, University Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Science and Mathematics Education
Faculty of Medicine
Alexander Shayesteh Afshar, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
Elisabeth Johansson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Odontology
Susanne Lindqvist, Senior Lecturer, Department of Odontology
Olivia Wesula Lwande, Researcher, Department of Clinical Microbiology
Anna Myleus, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
Johan Sommar, Senior Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health
Nikolai Stenfors, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
