Best teachers in Wales celebrated at awards
The work of the best teachers and educationalists in Wales was celebrated at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2018.
There were nine winners in what is the second year of the awards.
More than 100 guests, including 25 finalists, gathered to celebrate excellence in education and congratulate the winners at the ceremony held at Hensol Castle, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Lorraine Dalton from Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph, was announced Teacher of the Year, nominated for her hard work and dedication to give pupils the best possible learning opportunities.
Judges said they were impressed with her unwavering commitment, passion and the tremendous impact she has had on her school, where she started her teaching career 20 years ago.
Lorraine, said: “I’m so surprised, it’s a lovely feeling. It makes everything you do worthwhile. I kept saying when I was shortlisted that it is just a job, but thinking about it, it’s more than a job, it’s a way of life. Every teacher will agree that you never switch off, because you want to do the very best you can for the year the pupils are in your class.
“I can honestly say the children are at the heart of what I do and every member of the team at Ysgol Esgob Morgan makes pupils their priority. This is for them.”
Janet Waldron from Pontarddulais Comprehensive School was named Headteacher of the Year.
Judges commented on how she lives and breathes the life of her school and truly cares about every person in it, pushing staff to challenge themselves and encouraging pupils to realise their potential.
Janet said: “This award isn’t just for me, it is in recognition of the fantastic work carried out by pupils, staff and my amazing headship team.
“Being a head really is the best job and it’s something that anyone can do with commitment and a desire to make a difference.”
Winners in other categories included Jon Caple from Bishop Hedley High School, Merthyr Tydfil, for School Business Manager/Bursar, Adam Griffiths from Penydre High School, Merthyr Tydfil for Supporting Teachers and Learners, Dylan Lewis, also from Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, for Best Use of Digital.
Ruth Thackray, Senior Lead for Curriculum for Wales at GwE (School Effectiveness and Improvement Service for North Wales), took the title for Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities and Monkton Priory Community Primary School, Pembroke for Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships in the Community.
The ceremony also saw the first winners of new categories, with Helen Jones from Flint High School for Outstanding New Teacher and Gwenan Ellis Jones from Gwynedd Council Education Department for Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language.
Presenting winners with their awards Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “The calibre of the finalists of our Professional Teaching Awards Cymru was outstanding and are a testament to the commitment, dedication and hard work of teachers and education professionals across the country, as such our judges faced a difficult task in choosing our winners.
“All nine of our winners go the extra mile and make a significant difference in their schools and most importantly to individuals.
“This year it has been fantastic to celebrate the next generation of teaching professionals already making an impact through our inaugural Outstanding New Teacher Award and showcase those aiding the use of our national language through the Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language award.
“Our education professionals are changing the lives of our future generations and helping us to raise standards and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence.”