PAOTM teachers make an impact!

When you teach a course at PAOTM, you do more than transfer knowledge. You find yourself in a dynamic learning environment where theory and practice reinforce each other, where questions from professionals are the starting point, and where you, just like your participants, can learn a lot. Being a teacher at PAOTM is a source of inspiration, joy and social significance.

PAOTM teachers form the foundation of the content, quality and relevance of our courses. This is confirmed by our participants: the unique expertise of the teachers is one of the main reasons many choose a PAOTM course. Our lecturers, all experts in their field, are eager to share their motivation for teaching. What do they gain from it and why is this role so important? They are glad to share their experiences.

Sharing knowledge as a driving force
For many of our teachers, sharing knowledge is a personal mission. Arno Willems (Iv_Infra BV): “I’m deeply inspired when I see people learn new things, and that’s why I’ve been teaching courses and guest lectures for nearly 25 years.” His fellow lecturer, Arjen van Maaren from Rijkswaterstaat, also emphasizes the societal value: "The Dutch government has the objective of spreading knowledge in the Netherlands. It’s about enabling things to happen.” Each of our teachers contributes in their own way to both collective and personal goals.

A shared journey of discovery
A PAOTM course is always a two-way street. Lecturers and participants learn together and enrich each other. Dr. Koo Rijpkema (TU/e) describes it aptly: “The questions that arise in industry are reintegrated into education. That way, we engage in knowledge development together.” For him, teaching is not just about knowledge, but about passion: “Sharing knowledge and, even more importantly, sharing your fascination for the subject. That cannot be replaced by anything else.”
Prof. dr. ir. Bas Jonkman (TU Delft) experiences the same: “What I enjoy is teaching people who already work in practice, who therefore bring very realistic examples. For me as a lecturer, it means I keep learning and continuously adapt my story to new examples and insights.” Education becomes a joint exploration, where the participants’ practical experience directly contributes to the course content.

Joy and energy
What many lecturers have in common is that they go home energized after the course. Rens van Twisk (Van Twisk Projectmanagement): “I get energy when participants can help each other by sharing work experience. The added bonus is that I always learn things myself too—win-win!” The connection between theory and practice is equally important. Ir. Greg Smith (Van Oord): “I enjoy being the link between the academic development of knowledge and its practical application.” This shows how valuable it is to have a central role as a lecturer.

Social significance
Being a PAOTM teacher goes beyond personal satisfaction. Many lecturers feel they contribute to solving major challenges. Dr. ir. Alfred Roubos (Port of Rotterdam): “If we want to achieve our sustainability ambitions, it is crucial that we are willing to share our knowledge and experiences. If we succeed, a cumulative effect of knowledge will occur, allowing us to achieve better results more quickly.” Olaf van der Kolk (AquaMinerals) also sees the bigger picture: “We can work so much more efficiently and sustainably. I hope to infect many more people with the circularity virus.” It is precisely these kinds of motivations that give lecturing at PAOTM an extra dimension.

In short: PAOTM teachers play an essential role in helping others - and themselves - grow. It means contributing to innovation, inspiring others and at the same time continuing your own development. It brings joy and energy. And as a lecturer, you help make the Netherlands more sustainable, smarter and future-proof. A beautiful role to fulfill!

Become a PAOTM teacher!
Are you inspired and curious about lecturing? Do you want to give more meaning to your knowledge and help both others and yourself move forward? PAOTM warmly welcomes new teachers and will gladly work with you to see how your expertise can connect with our course offer. Whether you’d like to lead a multi-day course or teach for just a few hours, we are happy to speak to you. Fill in the form below and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible. You can also directly contact program manager Mariëlle Elenbaas via +31 6 37 28 72 38 or m.elenbaas@paotm.nl.