Slemish College principal in Pearson Teaching Awards Final

The finalists will receive the results when they are announced by the Pearson Teaching Awards on ‘Thank a Teacher Day’, May 17, and they will then be cheered on by pupils, parents and colleagues at school presentations.

Paul has spent over 20 years inspiring others but it was his grandfather’s influence that helped shape his lifelong love of learning. Indeed, it was under his guidance that Paul realised how magical it was to be able to share the wonders of the universe with others.

Prior to teaching, Paul undertook research in Virology and, particularly, diseases affecting cattle. It was the time spent demonstrating to Undergraduate students that prompted him to move into teaching and following a PGCE at Queens University Belfast, he swapped his Dundonald Laboratory for one in Loretto Convent Grammar, Omagh, where he taught Science for four years. This was followed by a move to St Macnissi’s College Garron Tower and then to Slemish College in 1996.

Slemish was much more than a just place of work for Paul, however, as he was instrumental in the College’s genesis. He describes it as being in ‘his blood’ as he and wife Lorraine were both members of the core group, initially dreaming about it and then working together with other parents to see it come to fruition.

He fondly recalls how exciting it was to get the initial approval from the Department of Education and how satisfying it has been to watch it grow from 84 kids and seven teachers to the school it is today.

Paul says his only regret is that Slemish couldn’t enrol every child who had ever applied.

When asked what he loved most about the teaching profession and, indeed, his job as principal, Paul said: “It’s about working with young people and harnessing their innate sense of wonder to develop them as learners and as young citizens. As a principal, it’s no different, for me the pleasure comes from watching how young teachers inspire others around them. Their enthusiasm has resulted in our young people having so many opportunities for success.”

Paul is modest about his achievements as leader of Slemish College saying that he has tried to model his own commitment to the students and passion for the College whilst recognising the need for that all important work-life balance.

Fundamentally, however, he says he has ensured that all members of his team recognise the profound privilege it is to be entrusted with other people’s children.

“We are not just educating our young people, we are empowering them to enter the world, confident that they are skilled and ready for whatever challenges they may face. We want them to be proud of the College and their achievements. My vision for the future is that we can continue to deliver a world class education to even more young people,” he said.

The Teaching Awards were founded by Lord Puttnam CBE to focus on inspired education professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible and 2013 is a record year for the Pearson Teaching Awards with over 24,000 nominations.

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.