Something for everyone at teacher awards

School offers pupils the chance to learn subjects, social skills, and sports in fact, everything they need to become a well-rounded person and this is reflected in the range of categories for the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2018.

Members of the judging panel are looking forward to seeing a variety of nominations although each has a category that’s particularly close to their heart.

For Cordelia Scott, from the University of Kent, it was a science teacher who changed the course of her life, determining first her degree subject and then her career. “Good teaching is the reason I did an astrophysics degree,” she said. “I was going to do a Russian degree, but my teacher, Mr Adams, convinced me to do physics instead.” She enjoyed it so much she now works as an outreach officer for the university, encouraging teenagers to carry on with science after GCSE.

Clare Maclean-Bell, from Kent Sport, which promotes physical activity in the county, is backing the sport category; which comprises coaches and volunteers as well as PE teachers. “Sport is a common ground - something that brings children together,” she said. “Every child is different, and it’s about finding the genius in each of those children.”

One charity that knows about unlocking a child’s potential is Beanstalk, whose volunteers come into schools to help struggling readers. But south east area manager Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler says she wants to champion everyone who gives up their free time to help children learn. "There are so many volunteers out there fantastic PTAs, people who offer support with gardening, all sorts,” she said.

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards recognise all top teaching staff, support staff, and volunteers in schools across the county. Schools and members of the public can nominate as many individuals or teams as they wish before the deadline of Thursday, March 1.

Winners will be invited to a prestigious award ceremony staged at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Maidstone in May.

The awards are organised by the KM Charity Team and supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, MY Trust, Social Enterprise Kent, CXK, Salus, LoopCR, Kreston Reeves and Diggerland.

For more information or to nominate someone, visit the Kent Teacher of the Year website

Schools can promote the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards in school and to their external contacts using the promotional materials available for free download

Contact Details

Karen Brinkman
Telephone: 08442 640291
Email: kbrinkman@thekmgroup.co.uk