Four educators based in Wales have been recognised as Silver Award winners in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

From the Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering Lecturer who is prioritising the needs of individual learners and championing inclusivity to the Landscaping and Eco Construction Team who are promoting outdoor learning and empowering marginalised youth in the unlikely setting of an abandoned morgue, the Silver Award winners have been selected from thousands of nominees for their remarkable contributions to education and the work they do to improve young lives.

The deserving winners make up some of the 102 teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions across the UK named this year. They will be honoured in surprise celebrations taking place in schools and colleges across the country today.

The Wales based winners include:

Alexis Dabee Saltmarsh, Lecturer in Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering at Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, Ebbw Vale, who won the Silver Award for FE Lecturer of the Year
Shan Kenchington, Headteacher at Mount Street Infant School, Brecon, who won the Silver Award for Lifetime Achievement
The Landscaping and Eco Construction Team at Gower College, Swansea, who won the Silver Award for FE Team of the Year
The Early Years Foundation Stage Team at Little Westbourne Nursery, Penarth, who won the Silver Award for Early Years Team of the Year

The Silver Award winners will now join the shortlist for a Gold Award, which will be announced at a ceremony later in the year.

The announcement comes as celebrities, students and schools across the UK are today paying tribute to all those who work in education on National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the whole education community and shines a light on the exceptional impact they have on shaping young lives.

National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles of teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, and the work they deliver every single day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “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.

“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation – thank you!”

Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, says: “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. Thank you for your continued work and congratulations!!”