Award-winning Birmingham teacher encourages people to mark Thank a Teacher Day.
A local teacher from Birmingham has shared her experience of being named a finalist of the coveted National Teaching Awards as the latest classroom heroes are announced on Wednesday.
The awards celebrate excellence in schools and recognise the lasting impact inspirational teachers can have. Coinciding with the announcement of this year’s finalists, students and the general public from the West Midlands are being encouraged to share their stories and thanks with the teachers that have positively influenced them.
Reflecting on her win and what it means for fellow teachers, Maggie Rose (pictured), Principal at Timberley Academy, and a 2018 silver winner of the Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School award, said: “Being a 2018 Teaching Award silver winner was an amazing experience. As a headteacher, watching my pupils achieve and learn new things every day is a hugely rewarding feeling, so knowing that my school colleagues had nominated me for an award for the work we do was very special.
“When you are working every day with pupils, you don’t expect praise, you just aim to do the very best job you can but receiving this thanks and recognition can make the job even more rewarding. Since being a silver winner, I have continued to strive to do the best job I can; a job in education is one that never stands still and one where we have to continuously adapt in order to provide the high standards that we do at Timberley Academy.
“Both the pupils and staff at Timberley are very special, so receiving this award was also a recognition of the whole team, and one that meant a great deal to everybody.
“I’m looking forward to congratulating all of this year’s winners and would encourage everyone to get involved with Thank A Teacher Day, as I know the thanks I received is something that will stay with me for years to come.”
The Get Into Teaching campaign, that supports Thank a Teacher day, aims to highlight that teaching isn’t about what young people become, but who they become – and underscores the unique role teachers play in shaping young people’s lives.
Roger Pope, a National Leader of Education and spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign, says: “Teachers do a fantastic job every day and Thank A Teacher day helps us to shine a light on the many inspirational individuals whose efforts can sometimes go under the radar.
“Receiving an award will be a brilliant feeling for all of this year’s nominees who continue to provide their students with the support and guidance needed for them to succeed. While these awards are special, receiving a ‘thank you’ from a current or previous student can mean just as much to teachers so I’d encourage everyone to share their thanks this year.”
Get Into Teaching aims to highlight the difference teachers make, and show prospective recruits how rewarding a career in teaching can be. For more information about teaching as a career and to register for a face-to-face or online event, visit: getintoteaching or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.