Two education professionals from Rhondda Cynon Taf shortlisted for this year’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru
Today 26 education professionals in Wales have been revealed as finalists of the fourth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
David Jenkins of Ysgol Ty Coch and David Church of Mountain Ash Comprehensive School have both made it to the finals of the coveted awards.
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 and Headteacher of the Year 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 Headteacher of the Year award will go to an individual who is exceptional at their job, whilst demonstrating an ability to engage the school in the wider community and make a real difference for every pupil.
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.”
To join in the celebrations, you can watch the ceremony from home live on Sunday 29th November at 6pm at www.facebook.com/educationwales. Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru or follow @WG_Education.
The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2020 finalists:
Teacher of the Year in a Primary school – new for 2020
Michelle Davies – Builth Wells Primary School, Builth Wells
Alison Garza – Pencoed Primary School, Bridgend
Stacey Harris – Coed Eva Primary School, Cwmbran
Outstanding New Teacher
Ben Powell – Ysgol Bryn Derw ASD Special School, Newport
Maya Gill-Taylor – Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Hannah Lewis – Troedyrhiw Primary School, Merthyr Tydfil
Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language
Lisa Roberts – Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Llandudno
Dyfed Williams – Ysgol Eirias, Colwyn Bay
Supporting Teachers and Learners
Louise Flynn – Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil
Teresa Humphreys – St Christopher’s School, Wrexham
Nerys Todd – Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, Caerphilly
Youth Work in Schools
Tracy Mills – Whitmore High School, Cardiff
Gavin Packer – St Cyres School, Penarth
Gavin Witte – Youth Service Ceredigion
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary school – new for 2020
Victoria Carey – Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff
Dr Gareth Evans – Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Llandudno
Chris Mitchell – Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, Pontarddulais
School Business Manager/Bursar
Kuljit Bratch – Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Yvonne Hawkins – Palmerston Primary School, Barry
Catrin Rhys Williams – Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, St Asaph
Headteacher of the Year
Jamie Hallett – Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin, Caldicot
William Howlett – Albany Primary School, Cardiff
David Jenkins – Ysgol Ty Coch, Pontypridd
Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher – new for 2020
David Church – Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, Mountain Ash
Rebecca Ebanks – Ysgol Gynradd Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Dr Jonathan Thomas – Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Swansea
