Today, 26 education professionals in Wales have been revealed as finalists of the fourth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

After what has been an incredibly challenging year for teachers, staff, pupils, and their families, it has never been more important to recognise the commitment and hard work of our education professionals across Wales. With the original ceremony postponed due to the pandemic, celebrations will now be held virtually on Sunday 29^th November.

Over 100 nominations were collated earlier this year from pupils, colleagues, and parents who want to celebrate the extraordinary teachers in their lives. The nominees have now been shortlisted to 26 finalists across a range of categories.

The winners from each of the nine categories, including Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher and Headteacher of the Year will be announced at a special virtual ceremony on Sunday 29^th November at 6pm. Schools, pupils, and families can support the finalists by watching the ceremony on the Education Wales Facebook page from 6pm.

The Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher, one of the new awards for 2020, will see a teacher or other member of staff recognised by a pupil (or group of pupils) past or present for the huge difference they have made to their life in school. The Headteacher of the Year award will go to an individual who is exceptional at their job, whilst demonstrating an ability to engage the school in the wider community and make a real difference for every pupil.

The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said:

“It has been an incredibly tough year for parents, pupils and schools across Wales, but the education sector has shown immense resilience. Determination and innovation have shone through this year and our education workforce have been working tirelessly to keep Wales learning.

“It is a privilege to announce these remarkable finalists and to read their stories of hard work and commitment. This year, more than ever, the awards are a celebration of the finalists themselves and the schools, teachers and pupils they represent.

“I look forward to celebrating each and every one of you and thank you all for the spirit and perseverance you have shown through this tremendously difficult year.”

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2020 finalists

Teacher of the Year in a Primary school – new for 2020

Michelle Davies – Builth Wells Primary School, Builth Wells
Alison Garza – Pencoed Primary School, Bridgend
Stacey Harris – Coed Eva Primary School, Cwmbran

Outstanding New Teacher

Ben Powell – Ysgol Bryn Derw ASD Special School, Newport
Maya Gill-Taylor – Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Hannah Lewis – Troedyrhiw Primary School, Merthyr Tydfil

Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language

Lisa Roberts – Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Llandudno
Dyfed Williams – Ysgol Eirias, Colwyn Bay

Supporting Teachers and Learners

Louise Flynn – Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil
Teresa Humphreys – St Christopher’s School, Wrexham
Nerys Todd – Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, Caerphilly

Youth Work in Schools

Tracy Mills – Whitmore High School, Cardiff
Gavin Packer – St Cyres School, Penarth
Gavin Witte – Youth Service Ceredigion

Teacher of the Year in a Secondary school – new for 2020

Victoria Carey – Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff
Dr Gareth Evans – Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Llandudno
Chris Mitchell – Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, Pontarddulais

School Business Manager/Bursar

Kuljit Bratch – Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Yvonne Hawkins – Palmerston Primary School, Barry
Catrin Rhys Williams – Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, St Asaph

Headteacher of the Year

Jamie Hallett – Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin, Caldicot
William Howlett – Albany Primary School, Cardiff
David Jenkins – Ysgol Ty Coch, Pontypridd

Pupil (or Pupils’) Award for Best Teacher – new for 2020

David Church – Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, Mountain Ash
Rebecca Ebanks – Ysgol Gynradd Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Dr Jonathan Thomas – Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Swansea