'Thank a Teacher Day', on Wednesday 19 June, celebrates the achievements of teachers, support staff, lecturers and institutions across the UK. Celebrities, students, parents and teachers have paid tribute to all those who work in education, for the life-changing work that takes place, and in particular to recipients of this year's Pearson National Teaching Awards.
On the morning of 19 June, 102 teachers, support staff, lecturers and institutions learnt of their Silver Awards as part of the national celebration. The winners, who have diverse and interesting stories to share, include a headteacher who has gone above-and-beyond to inspire and nurture students and staff, and a primary school partnership that is bringing opera to its local community. The awards follow thousands of nominations.
Later this year, recipients of the Silver Award will compete for the Gold Award in 16 categories. The categories for Gold include excellence in special needs education, lifetime achievement, unsung hero, and teacher of the year.
'Thank a Teacher Day' and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, a charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education across the UK, highlighting the pivotal roles of teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators.
The awards were established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998, and the charity celebrates education through its public-facing ‘Thank A Teacher’ campaign.
On 'Thank a Teacher Day', colleagues, parents, and students are encouraged to send personalised thank-you e-cards to educators through thankateacher.co.uk.
Several celebrities have expressed their support and appreciation for educators as part of 'Thank a Teacher Day', including actor and music advocate Dame Sheila Hancock and chart-topping pop singer Pixie Lott.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: 'The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond. That’s why it is important for us to take a moment on this national Thank a Teacher Day to recognise their efforts.'
Sharon Hague, managing director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, said: 'We're delighted to recognise this year’s Silver Award winners on their outstanding achievements. The contributions they make and the impact they have on young people’s lives every day is truly exceptional. We're extremely proud to support the National Teaching Awards and mark the achievements of all of our very worthy winners.'
