Two Spencer Academies Trust teachers have been recognised at the teaching equivalent of The Oscars for their dedication and commitment to the profession.
Nicol Winfield of Wyndham Primary Academy in Alvaston was shortlisted for the award of New Teacher of the Year, and Michelle Garton, also of Wyndham Primary Academy, flew to the top of the class after being honoured with the ‘Gold Plato’ at the Pearson Teaching Awards. The award of Teacher of the Year was presented to Michelle by Casualty actor Ian Bleasdale at the East Wintergarden in London on Saturday 21st October.
Angela O’Brien, Director of Primary Education at the Trust said:
“Michelle is an outstanding teacher, leader and inspiration for children. Wyndham Primary Academy has an above average percentage of children who have special educational needs and disabilities, but through Michelle’s immersive and creative teaching, she ensures all children have the tools to fulfil their potential and be the very best they can be, helping the school to achieve remarkable results.”
The Pearson Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of ‘exceptional teachers and teaching.
The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC2 on Sunday 29TH October at 6pm on ‘Britain Classroom Heroes’ where viewers will be able to find out more about the inspirational work behind Michelle’s award win.
Michelle and Nicol both teach Year 6 at Wyndham and Nicol has already achieved the accolade of being a Specialist Leader of Education for Maths, Michelle and Nicol were nominated for the awards by pupils, parents and colleagues from her school.
Michael Morpurgo, Children’s Author and new President of the Pearson’s Teaching Awards said: “I am honoured to be the new President of the Pearson Teaching Awards. Teachers are the quiet heroes. By telling their stories, by highlighting their skill and dedication, we can do some justice to them and to the whole profession.
“Through the Teaching Awards, we hope to enhance the reputation and value of the teacher s in our lives, their importance in our society, and thus help to encourage the most talented and committed young people to become teachers.”
Paul West, Chief Executive of the Spencer Academy Trust said:
“We are very proud of the work of Nicol and Michelle and their nominations and awards are well deserved, they are both hugely talented teachers. As a local Trust, we, at Spencer work hard to provide an outstanding education for local children. Wyndham is an outstanding Academy with a national reputation for excellence as well as being the leading Research School for Derby. The Team of leaders and teachers at Wyndham are making a positive difference to childrens’ lives.”