Today, 26 education professionals in Wales have been revealed as finalists of the fourth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
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.”
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
