Stefanie shortlisted for prestigious teaching award

Stefanie, from Saintfield, who is Deputy Head of SERC’s Learning Academy, was selected from thousands of nominations, and is the only person from Northern Ireland’s Further Education sector and one of only 87 nominees - extraordinary lecturers, teachers and school staff - from across the UK who has shown their willingness to go above and beyond their roles in a bid to provide the best possible education for their students.

Nominated for the Digital Innovator of the Year Award, Stefanie, along with other nominees, will now face judging from a team of experienced school experts before the Silver Award winners are announced. They will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC said: “We congratulate Stefanie on her shortlist for this prestigious Award. Her nomination has been chosen from thousands from across the UK and we are delighted that she represents, not only SERC, but Further Education for the whole of Northern Ireland.

“This is further testament to the quality of teaching and digital innovation which takes place day in and day out at SERC for each and every student. Indeed, our continued strength in digital innovation has been at the fore of our work for several weeks now as we have moved to online teaching and learning in light of the Coronavirus pandemic thus ensuring our students are able to continue their learning and qualifications for progression to employment, promotion or further studies.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Our teachers in the UK are unsung heroes. In this crisis, many are working in schools with vulnerable children, and those that aren’t, are working hard to enable learning to continue in incredibly challenging circumstances. They deserve our deep gratitude and recognition. Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. I’m proud that The Pearson National Teaching Awards recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication, and heroism.”

Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, added: “Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure their students get every chance in life. Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers.”