We are fast approaching a special time of the year for everyone working in education, and no, it’s not the summer holidays! We are talking about The Pearson National Teaching Awards, an annual celebration of teaching staff across the country designed to highlight the life-changing work that takes place in schools.
Entries are now open – enter your school/college today! It’s completely free and very easy to do but be quick because the deadline for nominations is fast approaching – past midnight March 4th it will be too late to shine a light on the amazing work your colleagues (and yourself!) have been doing.
As the deadline looms we are reminded of what past winners had to say about the Awards: “I cannot stress how much of a positive experience this award has been, not only for me but for the whole school community”. (2019 Gold Winner)
Since the Awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, we’ve seen the immense impact these Awards have on the whole community, bringing everyone together in celebration of all of the amazing educators in their area.
Keith Berry, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement award in 2019, describes the buzz he felt throughout the community:
“… of course the Pearson Teaching Awards are not purely about individuals or groups of teachers. They are, most importantly, about celebrating and recognising the achievements of whole school communities. From the moment we returned to school, following the Awards Ceremony at the Roundhouse Theatre in London, children, their families, staff and Governors were buzzing with pride and excitement that Park Community Academy Blackpool – their school, had been in the news and on national television. Children are still asking to look at and hold the Gold Lifetime Achievement Trophy on a regular basis!”
So what does it take to win an Award? We care about the impact that the nominee has had on learners, colleagues and the community. That might be in the form of extracurricular activities, unique and creative approach to teaching, results or something else entirely that you know will wow the judges.
What doesn’t matter for the judges is the type of school or college – small, independent, new, old, big, rural, state – all are equally considered for the awards.
With 15 categories to choose from you will definitely find one that suits the educators you wish to celebrate. Whether it’s a teacher who’s made a real impact on your pupils, a whole school/team you wish to recognise or a member of support staff, there’s an award to honour them. Categories include ‘Outstanding New Teacher of the Year’, ‘The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education’, ‘Teaching Assistant of the Year’ and ‘Headteacher of the Year’ both at primary and secondary level. There is even the Unsung Hero Award for anyone working in education including support staff. It is the only category open to nominations for parents and carers so encourage your community to get their nominations in!
Once you pick the category, all you need to do is fill out the form online and tell us all about your nominee. Each category might have slightly different points that you need to cover, however, those are explained thoroughly in the application form.
Don’t forget that The Pearson National Teaching Awards holds a variety of celebrations throughout the year – Silver Winner Announcements on Thank a Teacher Day, a Silver Winners Afternoon Tea in July, and an Awards Ceremony and BBC One Coverage in November. So get entering and make it a year to remember for your school/college!
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