Dominican teacher named as finalist in Teaching Awards

Jonny Crutchley is the latest teacher from the school to be honoured by professional teaching awards.

Congratulating Mr Crutchley, Dominican principal, Dr Cummings, said: “We should not be surprised that Mr Crutchley is the third teacher from this school to be a N.Ireland finalist in the Teaching Awards and our hope is that he will follow Ms McGowan (2012) and Mr Ramsay (2010) in going on to be chosen as Northern Ireland Teacher of The Year.”

Dr Cummings added: “Dominican College Portstewart is very highly regarded by our community and that regard is due to the exceptional work of our Dominican staff who really do strive to help each pupil achieve his or her best.

“Staff contribute so much more than expected from a narrow definition of our roles.

“That is because we try very hard to help each child in the care and support we give them as well as the teaching and non- teaching tasks we carry out. In other words the work our staff carry out naturally fits well with the criteria used by the Teaching Awards.

“Mr Crutchley’s achievement in being selected as a finalist reflects well on us all and on our school. We are blessed with a team of exceptional teaching professionals as we are also blessed with a team of “exceptional ancillary professionals.

“If there was an equivalent Non-Teaching Awards scheme I would expect our ancillary staff to be recognised within Northern Ireland as has been the case with the Teaching Awards.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK said: ‘Supporting the Pearson Teaching Awards gives us a unique opportunity to champion exceptional teaching professionals across the UK. Pearson has long held lifelong learning to be at the heart of all its business.

“All young people deserve the very best chance to make progress in their lives through education. ‘That is why we believe it’s vital to recognise inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation.’

The next stage in the judging process will see a team of representatives from the local Pearson Teaching Awards judging panel visiting Dominican.

The finalists will receive the results when they are announced by the Pearson Teaching Awards on Thank a Teacher Day, on May 17.

2013 is a record year for the Pearson Teaching Awards with over 24,000 nominations, throughout the UK. Each and every nomination is a “thank you” to an education professional who has made a difference to the lives of children and young people.

All the nominations from a UK region are subject to a shortlisting procedure and the form that had to be completed in endorsing a teacher covers every area of school life.

“As a school we wish Mr Crutchley every success on the day that the Teaching Award judges come,” added Dr Cummings.

NOMINATED..Jonny Crutchley.