Published on 05 June 2024
Law students at the University of Sunderland have nominated an inspirational lecturer as Law Teacher of the Year in the 2024 Northern Law Awards.
Toni Spencer, is Principal Lecturer in Law, and also Clinic Director the Sunderland Student Law Clinic. Toni says the nomination came as a complete surprise, “I don't feel that what I do is award worthy as I am just doing my job.
“I want my students to have a good experience at University and to give them the opportunities to make a successful career for themselves. I feel that I do what anyone in my position should do and so I felt very shocked but also very honoured that the students had taken the time to do that for me.”
The Law Teacher of the Year nomination is made to an academic who “Displays an approach to teaching that engages, motivates and inspires students; who demonstrates commitment to the development and support of their students as individuals; and demonstrates involvement in activities, which may include scholarship, research, and/or co-curricular offerings, to enhance the student experience.”
Toni’s students said:
“Toni is as engaging a lecturer as you are ever likely to meet. Through her work in the Law Clinic she provides constant support and leadership to help guide students in a practical environment.”
“As the Director of the Law Clinic, Toni oversees a range of extra-curricular work, including working with charities and people from the local area to both benefit them, as well as the students within the Law Clinic. Working with organisations such as FLOWS and Dementia Friends, among many more, allows a great opportunity for students to give back. This goes to show Toni’s dedication to her students, as well as trying to benefit anyone who needs support at any time.”
“Toni’s dedication to her students and the people she works alongside goes a long way in order to be able to make those feel comfortable and supported during their time at the university.”
Toni added: “I know the nomination process is not an easy one and so I am incredibly grateful to the students for taking that time to do that for me.”
Toni joined the University in 2019 and has taught on both the undergraduate Law degree and the postgraduate Legal Practice course. She has also been a supervising solicitor within the Sunderland Student Law Clinic during that time, and is now Clinic Director.
Toni said, “To receive the nomination really boosted my own self esteem. I had been quite unwell over Christmas and the New Year. So, to receive their recognition really lifted my mood and belief in myself and I am truly grateful to the students for that.
“I am really looking forward to going to the award ceremony although I know that I will be extremely nervous on the night. The other lecturers in the category are incredible at what they do and so I don't think it will be an easy decision for the judges, but I am looking forward to celebrating all of the positives happening in law in the north-east at the moment.
“I hope I can bring the award home to Sunderland for our students, but regardless of winning or not, it has been an honour to have been nominated and I am grateful to have had the opportunity.”
The Northern Law Awards 2024 take place on 27 June at St. James’ Park, Newcastle.
Students in the final year of their Law degree at the University can select the Law Clinic as an optional module. All students studying on the LLM Legal Practice LPC undertake time within the Law Clinic as part of their course.