Gail Montgomery: ‘wonderful’ teaching assistant receives national award after 30 years at King’s Park Primary School, Newtownabbey
An inspirational Newtownabbey teaching assistant has won a national award in recognition on the positive impact she has had on the lives of pupils over three decades.
Gail Montgomery, from King’s Park Primary School, received a silver award for Teaching Assistant of the Year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
A member of staff at the school for 30 years, she has welcomed hundreds of children and their parents. She has supported the pupils in the P1 classroom and in their journey through the school.
Gail was nominated by staff at King’s Park and the comments and messages of support and praise for her wowed the judging panel. Her outstanding work and strong pastoral provision, along with the kind and humble way in which she acts, led to this award, which saw competitors from across the UK.
Principal Justin Conville commented: “We are just so proud and delighted for Gail who thoroughly deserves this award and recognition. Gail really is wonderful at her job and has made a positive impact on so many people in the King’s Park family.”
Gail is one of 102 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions from across the UK named as silver winners in this year’s awards.
She will now be in the running for the coveted gold award, which will be announced later in the year and “the whole King’s Park community of staff and pupils are behind her and cheering her on”.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education.
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond.
“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s silver award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation - thank you.”