Today, 26 education professionals in Wales have been revealed as finalists of the fourth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru. Our very own Mr Church, has made it to the finals as one of three teachers up for the new ‘Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher’!
A statement released this morning from the awards organisers noted that:
“After what has been an incredibly challenging year for teachers, staff, pupils, and their families, it has never been more important to recognise the commitment and hard work of our education professionals across Wales. With the original ceremony postponed due to the pandemic, celebrations will now be held virtually on Sunday 29th November. Over 100 nominations were collated earlier this year from pupils, colleagues, and parents who want to celebrate the extraordinary teachers in their lives. The nominees have now been shortlisted to 26 finalists across a range of categories. The winners from each of the nine categories, including Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher…will be announced at a special virtual ceremony on Sunday 29th November at 6pm. Schools, pupils, and families can support the finalists by watching the ceremony on the Education Wales Facebook page from 6pm.
The Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher, one of the new awards for 2020, will see a teacher or other member of staff recognised by a pupil (or group of pupils) past or present for the huge difference they have made to their life in school”.
The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said:
“It has been an incredibly tough year for parents, pupils and schools across Wales, but the education sector has shown immense resilience. Determination and innovation have shone through this year and our education workforce have been working tirelessly to keep Wales learning. It is a privilege to announce these remarkable finalists and to read their stories of hard work and commitment. This year, more than ever, the awards are a celebration of the finalists themselves and the schools, teachers and pupils they represent. I look forward to celebrating each and every one of you and thank you all for the spirit and perseverance you have shown through this tremendously difficult year”.
Regarding his nomination, Mrs. S Evans (Headteacher) commented that “Mr Church is a dedicated teacher of RS and Humanities who has cultivated extensive curriculum links with national organisations such as WE and First Give to inspire pupils at our school to develop a social conscience, get involved with their local communities and also learn about global issues. Through these connections, pupils have been able to make links with local and national charities and organisations. He works tirelessly to raise awareness of social issues within school, successfully engages pupils and staff in a range of projects and widens the horizons of our learners. This nomination from pupils is well deserved and we wish him all the very best”.
To join in the celebrations, you can watch the ceremony from home live on Sunday 29th November at 6pm at www.facebook.com/educationwales.