People in South Wales have until the 22 November to nominate an outstanding education professional for the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

With three new categories including Pupil/Pupils’ Award for Best Teacher, Teacher of the Year in a Primary School, and Teacher of the Year in Secondary School, there is no better time to put someone forward for these prestigious awards.

Nominations yet again have been of a very high standard, but with two weeks to go Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, is calling for all education professionals to be celebrated.

The new and exciting Pupil/Pupils’ Award for Best Teacher is designed for a pupil (or group of pupils) past or present to nominate a teacher or other member of staff who has made a huge difference to their life in school. This award is an opportunity for the pupils to have a voice and celebrate the hard work of those who have helped shape them into the individuals they are.

Rhian Morgan Ellis, Headteacher of the Year winner of 2019, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda said: “I was very proud to have won the award because I have always preached to the children at school that they are as good as anyone and that they can achieve anything they want to do. Winning this award was for them.”

Gruff Arfon, Outstanding New Teacher winner of 2019 from Ysgol Tryfan said: “Winning the award has certainly given me more confidence and also made me feel as if I’m on the right track, in terms of what I’m doing here at Ysgol Tryfan. If you know anybody who deserves to be nominated, go for it. It could have a huge impact on their future.”

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “Since launching the fourth Professional Teaching Awards Cymru we have seen some incredible nominations come in.

“Everyone within the Welsh education sector deserves the chance to be celebrated and I hope that people take this opportunity to give recognition to hard-working individuals.

“If you know an outstanding teacher or someone working in our education system please take the time to nominate them and help us celebrate all that is good in Welsh education.”

Nominate an education professional today at: https://gov.wales/professional-teaching-awards-cymru/nominate-now. Nominations close 22 November 2019.

Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019/20 categories:

Headteacher of the Year
Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language
Outstanding New Teacher
Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher – new for 2020
School Business Manager/Bursar
Supporting Teachers and Learners
Teacher of the Year in a Primary School – new for 2020
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School – new for 2020
Youth Work in Schools