TWO Uttoxeter teachers could be rewarded for their teaching contribution after being nominated by parents as a thank you.
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, in Dove Bank, along with teachers Darren Beech and Ian Johnson have been nominated by parents in the Annual Teaching Awards for their work with students.
The Pearson Teaching Awards provide a unique way of saying thank you to schools and the inspirational people who change lives for the better.
Mr Beech, science teacher and part of the sixth form team, said: “I am really touched that I was nominated for a teaching award. Can’t believe it really.
“There are so many teachers at Thomas Alleyne’s High School who freely give so much of their time to give extra help to so many students, which means we all need a nomination really.
“As the International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator I work closely with a group of sixth formers and I do what I can to support them through their course and help prepare them for university.
“It’s a privilege working with such focused and hard working students. Teaching isn’t always easy, but this really reminded me why I initially became a teacher.” Modern foreign languages teacher Mr Johnson echoed his surprise at being told he had been nominated.
He said: “I am both surprised and honoured to be nominated for a teaching award. The nominations were announced in a staff meeting which took me totally by surprise especially as I was not aware that I had been nominated.
“Our head teacher, Suzanne O’Farrell endorsed the nominations and we will wait and see what the final outcome of the nominations are.” Anyone can thank a teacher through the website, at www.teachingawards.com and each thank you is a nomination for a teaching award.
The head teacher is then asked to endorse the nomination along with the most appropriate category for the person.
Head teacher Suzanne O’Farrell said “We are delighted that the work of the school in caring for students and the work and commitment of our colleagues has been recognised in this way.” Judging will take place up until September and the regional and national winners will go forward to the UK judging panel.
The winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in October which will be shown on BBC2.
