Finalists announced for the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru

Twenty-nine education professionals from across Wales have been revealed as finalists of the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

The awards were created to celebrate the commitment, dedication and hard work of teachers across Wales. Over a hundred nominations came in from pupils, colleagues and parents and now the best of the best has been shortlisted for an award.

The winners from each of the ten categories including Outstanding New Teacher and Headteacher of the year will be announced at a special ceremony at Soughton Hall in May.
 
The Outstanding New Teacher award will recognise a teacher who demonstrates enthusiasm and excellence within the classroom, whilst showing early leadership qualities and continued professional development. 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.
 
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “As ever, the calibre of nominations is astounding, and it is truly humbling to see yet another group of inspiring finalists.
 
“Part of our national mission is to raise standards of education and make everyone proud to study in Wales. At the heart of the system are the teaching professionals.
 
“Every day teachers, support and business staff are all making a real difference to the lives of our young people and it’s vital that we recognise them for their contributions.
 
“The finalists are a credit to the profession. They should all be exceptionally proud of themselves and I am very much looking forward to meeting them all in May to celebrate their hard work.”

The award ceremony takes place on 19 May.
 
The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019 finalists:
 
Supporting Teachers and Learners
Jack Branford, St. Helen’s Primary, Swansea
Emma Gray, Bassaleg School, Newport
Shaun Pearson, Ysgol John Bright, Llandudno
 
Best Use of Digital Learning
Matt James, Lewis Girls Schools, Caerphilly
Phil Meredith, Caerleon Comprehensive School, Caerleon
 
Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language
Nia Williams, Alun School, Flintshire
Catrin Phillips – Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest
Mark Morgan, Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil
 
Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities
Richard Watkins, GwE, Conwy
Leanne Pownall, Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, Llantwit Major
Gemma Carr Evans, Bridgend College, Bridgend
 
Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community
Fiona Thomas, Dwr y Felin Comprehensive School, Neath
Pembroke Dock Community School, Pembroke
Cadoxton Primary School, Barry
 
Headteacher of the Year
Tracy Jones, Ysgol Merllyn, Flintshire
Rhian Morgan Ellis, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, Porth
Ceri Parry, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd, Newport
 
Outstanding New Teacher
Lucio Nocivelli, Eveswell Primary School, Newport
Hannah Cogbill, Cadoxton Primary School, Barry
Gruff Arfon, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor
 
School Business Manager/Bursar
Gillian Stevenson, Elfed High School, Flintshire
Anna Hughes, Rhayader Church in Wales Primary, Rhayader
Gwyn Jones, Ysgol Eirias, Conwy
 
Teacher of the Year
Robert Aldridge, Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff
Allison Pope, Cwm Primary School, Ebbw Vale
Cheryl Roberts, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor
 
Youth Work in Schools
David Charles, Caldicot School, Monmouthshire
Amy Bolderson, Pontypridd High School, Pontypridd
Blaenau Gwent Youth Service Youth Workers, Ebbw Vale