Maria gets gold on TV as she gets top honour on screen
A TEACHING assistant has been presented with a national award on the BBC’s The One Show.
Maria Gallagher, from Ashmount College in Loughborough, had won a silver Pearson National Teaching Award in September.
She was presented with a gold award live on TV and named Teaching Assistant of the Year.
Maria, pictured, is involved in all aspects of school life, acting as family support worker, deputy designated senior lead for child protection, emotional literacy support assistant and staff governor – and covered for an absent teacher for a full year.
She also leads on fund-raising for the school, has organised supplies for Leicester Royal Infirmary and a food bank and fosters guide dogs at home.
Maria said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received this award.
“It was quite a shock, but it’s really lovely to be recognised like this. Of course, it is a team effort, and Ashmount is a great school to work in.
“This is great for the school and the children, and it’s really nice to give them a bit of excitement in these times.”
The award was presented by The One Show’s Alex Jones.
She said: “We are so thrilled to have Maria and other winners on the show and to thank them for their incredible work.
“We all know the value of a great teacher, and Maria has proven herself to be both outstanding and inspirational.
“There has never been a more important time to celebrate the hard work that happens in our schools across the country, and we are delighted to do our bit to thank them.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson thanked every teacher and all those involved in the education system for their hard work.
He said: “A massive congratulations to this year’s gold award winners.
“Teachers and school staff truly deserve the national recognition for the work they do to motivate, inspire and support pupils day in, day out.
“This year has been like no other and it is because of schools’ hard work that millions of pupils are able to be in the classroom receiving an outstanding education.
“I would like to thank every single teacher and staff member for what they have done for our children.”
The Pearson National Teaching Awards, now in their 22nd year, are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord (David) Puttnam.