People throughout Wales have until Friday 30th of November to nominate
outstanding teachers and Youth workers working in schools all over Wales
for the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019, and with a new category
being introduced this year, there are even more opportunities to celebrate
the very best in Welsh education.

Nominations for the awards are already flooding in, but with two weeks
still to go until the closing date, The Welsh Government’s Education
Secretary, Kirsty Williams, is urging everyone to nominate their education
heroes to ensure that excellent education professionals receive the
recognition they deserve.

Categories for awards this year include Teacher and Headteacher of the
Year, Best use of Digital Learning, Inspirational use of the Welsh Language
and Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships with the Community.

For the new *Youth Work in Schools* category, judges will be looking for
those who have shown real commitment to improving the standards of youth
work in schools, excellent leadership skills, and a drive for personal and
professional development.

Dylan Lewis, *Best Use of Digital* winner 2018, Pontarddulais Comprehensive
said: “Coming back to the school was amazing, it was lovely to have pupils
and parents congratulating me on my achievements. Since winning the award,
I have been invited to take part in discussions on the future direction of
digital technologies both in the school and within our cluster schools.

“It is vital that in the teaching profession teachers are acknowledged when
they go above and beyond. We are in a profession that has the ability to
inspire the next generation of designers, developers and creators.”

Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams said: “We’ve already received so many
fantastic nominations from across Wales for this year’s awards, however I
want to spread the message far and wide so we can celebrate all the very
best that education in Wales has to offer.

“I’m also delighted that this year’s awards will include the *Youth Work in
Schools *category. Youth work plays a crucial role in supporting so many
young people throughout Wales, helping them gain confidence and competence
to ensure they fulfil their full potential. The award allows us to
recognise the big impact their hard work has on the broader educational
system.

“If you know someone that goes above and beyond the call of duty to support
the education of young people across Wales, be it a member of support
staff, a teacher or a headteacher that is making big steps for your school,
please take the time to nominate them and help us celebrate the greatest of
Wales education professionals.”

*To nominate a teaching professional doing great work in your area, visit:
gov.wales/teachingawardscymru. Nominations close 30 November 2018.*

*Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru *

*The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2018 categories:*

*NEW* Youth Work in Schools

Supporting Teachers and Learners

School Business Manager/Bursar

Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities

Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships with the Community

Teacher of the Year

Headteacher of the Year

Outstanding New Teacher

Best use of Digital Learning

Inspirational use of the Welsh Language