During the autumn of 2025, students at Södertörn University were given the opportunity to nominate the teacher they feel deserves the SöderS award Golden Griffin. The award celebrates pedagogical brilliance, and the recipient Golden Griffin is the teacher who has made a little extra impression on their students. For 2025, it is John Björkman, senior lecturer in education, who has done precisely this!

Out of 177 unique nominations for 53 different nominated teachers, the jury decided to Golden Griffin to present the award to John Björkman.

The citation from the jury reads:

Through his great pedagogical ability, with clear structure and creative teaching methods, John has created an open and stimulating learning environment that encourages both creative and critical thinking, which not only contributes to students' opportunities to grow in terms of knowledge but also personally. 

John creates this learning environment by treating students with respect, patience and a clear enthusiasm for his subject. With great faith in his students' abilities and professional experiences, he also sees them as resources for his own learning, where curiosity and a constant desire to develop are clearly reflected in his own pedagogy.  

For his commitment, his pedagogical skill and his ability to create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment, John is proposed as the recipient of the 2025 Golden Griffin award.

John was honoured during the university's academic ceremony on 6 February 2025. The student union welcomed him onto the stage, where he received a diploma and a bouquet. Shortly, we will publish a short video interview with John on our social media channels for students to enjoy!

Congratulations John!

We received a great many nominations, many of which were well-reasoned and personal. We would therefore also like to highlight the other lecturers at Södertörn University who received at least one nomination. See below, in alphabetical order.

Well done, all you brilliant teachers!