SOME of the most inspiring educators in North Wales have been announced as winners of the sixth Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS, revealed the winners of the ten categories at a special ceremony held at Soughton Hall in Mold on Sunday, July 14, from twenty-seven education professionals who made it to the finals.
For the first time, the teaching awards were open to colleges as well as schools.
It was Dr Gareth Evans, from Ysgol y Creuddyn in Llandudno, who took home the ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ award.
Described as a pioneer in his profession, Dr Gareth Evans is an outstanding maths teacher, passionate about his subject.
He is a real role model for the profession, and this was clearly shown in the obvious admiration and love he creates and inspires in all who work with and are taught by him. His colleagues said: “He is passionate about ensuring the best for his pupils.”
The ceremony also saw awarded its second ever winner for the Betty Campbell MBE Award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, a category first introduced at the 2022 awards.
This year, Amy Grimward, from Ysgol Aberconwy in Conwy was revealed as the winner, recognised for her long-term vision for anti-racism and her work with colleagues to develop a decolonised approach to the curriculum.
One of her learners said: “All of the things we’ve learned with Amy have made me a better person.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS, said: “The calibre of nominations continues to be exceptional and demonstrates the abundance of innovation and talent we have here in Wales.
"We asked parents and carers, learners, teachers, lecturers, colleagues and the general public across Wales to nominate inspiring education professionals - and this year we received more nominations than ever.
"Our judges have been truly inspired by their visits to schools and colleges across all four corners of Wales throughout this process."
She added: "From primary and forest schools, to secondary schools and colleges, education practitioners at all stages of learners’ lives have a huge impact on their development, wellbeing and engagement with education.
"Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to the winners on your achievements and dedication to nurturing the next generation of Welsh citizens.”
All the North Wales winners in the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2024:
Inspirational use of the Welsh Language - Alex Davies, Black Lane Primary School, Wrexham
Outstanding new Teacher - Hannah Jones, Ysgol Tŷ Ffynnon, Shotton
Learning Support Assistant - Jo Wyatt, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Mold
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School - Dr Gareth Evans, Ysgol y Creuddyn, Llandudno
The Betty Campbell (MBE) award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities - Amy Grimward, Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
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