Barton Peveril Learning Support Tutor Shortlisted for Pearson Teaching Award
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Learning Support Tutor Laura Stephens has been shortlisted for the Pearson Digital Innovator of the Year Award, in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2020. Selected from thousands of nominations, Laura Stephens is one of just 87 extraordinary teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Stephens is in the running to be one of the Silver Award winners, who will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards. Gold Award winners will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes.’
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.
“Empowering learners”
Stephens was shortlisted following her work using assistive technology to remove barriers to learning, fostering independence in the classroom and in exams amongst students with additional learning support.
Stephens developed a Learning Support Google Site that offers learners direct online access to a host of strategies recommended by national bodies for Dyslexia and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as well as the Learning Support Google Classroom that offers teachers training and recommended strategies to support students with declared learning needs.
The Learning Support Tutor’s shortlisting is one of a number of recent accolades the College is celebrating. In 2019, Barton Peveril won the Sixth Form Colleges Association Independent Learning Award. Earlier in 2020, the College was also shortlisted for the TES FE 2020 Outstanding Use of Technology in Teaching, Learning and Assessment Award.
Speaking on the Learning Support Tutor’s shortlisting, Barton Peveril Vice Principal (Teaching and Learning), Mandy Wood, said:
“This nomination is a testimony to the amazing work Laura has and is doing, empowering learners and helping them reduce their learning barriers not only whilst they are in college but also beyond.”
Laura Stephens commented on being shortlisted for the national award:
“It is such amazing news to be shortlisted for the Digital Innovator of the Year Award and having been recognised for the work that I do with students, incorporating assistive technology to make college life more accessible for them. Being able to work with students and staff who embrace what technology can offer is a pleasure and I am constantly inspired by what the students achieve, using technology to help them get to where they want to be.”
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said:
“Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you. At Pearson we are delighted to support these Awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.
Margaret May Brown
says:How wonderful Laura, that you have deservedly been given this accolade for your dedication to your pupils, to make their study and lives pleasurable. You have a great feeling for your students, their achievements at college, and their future being able to work to their aspirations. Well done Laura.