Teacher Bulletin

Following on from the National Teaching Awards celebrations last week, this Teacher Bulletin is dedicated to giving our thanks and celebrating YOU.

Regardless of whether you’ve been nominated or won an award for your teaching, you are all deserving of recognition and we want to send a heartfelt thank you for the great and meaningful work you do every day. Thank you.

Celebrating teachers and everyone working in education

The National Teaching Awards are an opportunity for your whole school community to celebrate the work of your colleagues and let your staff shine. We sponsor 5 of the 16 categories, celebrating incredible educators at every stage of their career and across the breadth of the education sector.

Inspiring stories on BBC’s The One Show

There wasn’t a dry eye in the country as the winners were celebrated on The One Show every evening last week. From Teaching Assistant of the Year Esta Bernardini who works with visually impaired students, to Secondary Headteacher of the Year Andrew O’Neill who supported his school community through the tragedy of Grenfell - there were some truly inspirational stories from truly inspiring educators.

Celebrating success at the annual awards ceremony

Saturday night saw a room full of love for teachers and everyone working in education as the winners were celebrated at the annual ceremony. There were cheers for Lifetime Achievement winner Angela Williams’ 37-year career and (happy) tears for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year winner Simon Wheatcroft’s inspiring story of overcoming challenges to thrive in the profession – alongside many, many others.

Thank you from the Secretary of State and the Schools Minister

Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb, presented the first two awards of the evening for Outstanding New Teacher and Lifetime Achievement. Both awards are sponsored by DfE and Minister Gibb spoke about the importance of your work and thanked you all for everything you do. Watch a short video of Minister Gibb reflecting on the Teaching Awards.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan also sent a message giving her thanks and congratulations to every teacher who had been nominated for an award.

We also caught up with Steph Lee-Vae right after they were awarded winner of FE Lecturer of the Year. 

2023 Teacher Awards nominations now live

Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate a special teacher, colleague or friend for the 2023 Teaching Awards. The nominations are free and there are 16 categories to choose from, including individual, team and support staff awards. Show someone you appreciate their outstanding work and commitment and maybe they will be celebrated by the entire country on The One Show!

Send a free thank you to a colleague who deserves it

Did you know that you can send a free personalised e-card to thank a respected colleague who has made a difference to you? Make their day by letting them know how much they help you and what they do that makes them special. You can send an anonymous message if you’d prefer, and they’re open to teachers, leaders, individuals, teams, support staff and anyone else working in schools.

Hear from fellow teachers and school leaders on the DfE Teaching Blog

So, how about some nostalgia? It’s been a whole year since Jackie Birch won the Teacher of the Year in a Primary School Award in 2021, so we went to Wigan and had a chat with her to see how it feels one year on. Read 'How does it feel to be an award-winning teacher?'

Other recent blogs:

• 'The P Word’ – Reducing the stigma of periods across our college'. Mel Kay, a Student Support Manager at Newcastle College talks about how they make sure that all learners have access to period products. 
• ‘Create a flexible tutoring model to maximise the academic impact of tuition’ Neil Wilkinson, Executive Headteacher at The Bemrose School in Derby explains how their school has developed a flexible tutoring model that is responsive to the needs of pupils and parents.
• ‘Supporting pupil’s learning and development through engagement with nature’ Julie Newman, shares how St Alban’s CE Primary School has taken action to support biodiversity in their grounds and beyond.

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We send out this Teacher Bulletin a few times per half term to school contacts in the Get Information About Schools database and individuals who choose to subscribe directly. It brings together some of the recent advice and information we’ve published. If you've received this Bulletin because a colleague has forwarded it to you and you'd like to get it directly, you can subscribe by following the link below.