EDUCATION bosses have called on the public to help champion those who go above and beyond in schools and colleges by nominating them in the Daily Echo’s 2017 Education Awards.
The awards offer a chance to shout about the dedicated teachers and schools who are committed to providing the very best education for children across the county.
Nominations are now open for 11 categories, from best support staff to best school or college with prestigious awards being presented in a dazzling ceremony at top Southampton venue Grand Harbour hotel.
Members of the public are being urged to send in their nominations from all walks of school life, from headteachers and PE teachers to lunchtime supervisors and lollipop ladies.
Councillor Darren Paffey, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for Education and Skills will be among those with the difficult task of picking a winner.
He said: “I’m pleased and honoured to accept this invitation to be a judge for the 2017 Education Awards. Raising the ambitions and achievements of Southampton’s young people is crucial, and the huge efforts made by those who work in our schools can’t be underestimated.
“I welcome the launch of these awards by the Echo, as this will be a great opportunity to recognise the excellent, and often unsung work, undertaken by our teachers, leaders, support staff, and volunteers across the city.
“The council works closely with our schools who have been working hard to ensure they continue improving, in spite of national policy upheaval and reform.
“Our schools in Southampton have stepped up to these challenges and I look forward to recognising the hard work, commitment and dedication of those working in local education.”
Cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, Councillor Satvir Kaur added: “I’m really pleased that the Echo is supporting and celebrating these achievements with others. It’s phenomenal to recognise these people in the education sector.
“Everyone from cleaners to teachers to lollipop people play their part at what is such an important time for young people. There’s a lack of recognition in education so it’s about time it caught up as the sector doesn’t do enough for good work.”
The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 3, after which a panel of judges will create a shortlist before choosing an overall winner.
Each of the 11 categories will have a shortlist of three people who will then be invited to the ceremony along with a guest.
The ceremony will take place on March 23 next year.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: This category celebrates the achievements of those who are new into the profession, for example a newly qualified teacher. Entrants should have been in either primary or secondary education for no longer than two years.
Daily Echo:
SUPPORTING STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR:
This category can include caretakers, support assistants, school crossing patrol people and other non-teaching staff. It is aimed at those who always give exceptional service and make a real difference to their educational establishment through their work.
LEADERSHIP AWARD:
This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement(s) of a Head teacher or senior leadership team member or governor who has made an exceptional contribution to education.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION AWARD:
This category is to celebrate achievement or dedication of governors, parents etc, who have shown dedication and commitment to their school or college on a voluntary basis.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD:
This category is to celebrate the dedication of schools, students or teachers that have developed initiatives that forge strong links with their community.
INNOVATION AWARD:
This category is to celebrate a new idea which has had a significant positive impact on children and young people or an educational establishment that has demonstrated a commitment to providing new opportunities for students.
NURSERY/PRIMARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individual nursery/primary phase teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to the life of their school or nursery.
MIDDLE/SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individual secondary phase teachers. We are looking for teachers who inspire and engage pupils and make an exceptional contribution to their school.
COLLEGE/SIXTH FORM TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
This category is to celebrate outstanding achievement or dedication of individuals from college or sixth form phase. We are looking for teachers who inspire and engage students and make an exceptional contribution to their education establishment.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
This category is for example to celebrate an individual or school that can demonstrate outstanding achievements for their educational establishment.
SCHOOL OR COLLEGE OF THE YEAR:
This category is to recognise a school or college that is more than just an education establishment. Do students, parents and staff come together to create something truly special? It could be local community involvement, or a different approach to learning? This award is not just for those which achieve fantastic exam results – we’re looking for those which go the extra mile for their students.
To nominate your school, teachers or member of staff go to www.dailyecho.co.uk/education_awards and upload the name of
the person you’re nominating, the category, school and school address. We want to know why you’re nominating them in 500 words, your name and address and your telephone number.
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