Lecturers win Pearson Teaching Awards

Steve Casey and Michaela Ward were shortlisted from a record number of nominations and will be formally congratulated during Staff Celebration Day on Friday, 6 July.

Nominations are received in the form of online thank-you messages to teachers or lecturers who have made a real difference, with each considered by the Pearson Teaching Awards judging panel.

Steve Casey, 42, from Gillingham, is programme area leader for Engineering at MidKent College’s Medway Campus and has received a distinction in the category of Further Education Lecturer of the Year (London and the South East).

Michaela Ward, 26, from Rainham, has now relocated to Exeter but was an A-level Biology teacher at the Medway Campus at the time of her nomination. She has received a distinction in the category of Outstanding Use of Technology in Education (London and the South East).

MidKent College acting principal Sue McLeod said: “This is fantastic news and we are delighted that both Steve and Michaela have been recognised by the Pearson Teaching Awards panel.

“We at the College have known for some time how dedicated, driven and talented they both are, so it comes as no great surprise that the judges agreed.

“But what is perhaps most pleasing about this recognition is that it was Steve and Michaela’s students who nominated them, which just proves the high regard in which they are held.

“They are a true credit to the College and deserve all the success that comes their way.”

Teachers and lecturers from across the country will be congratulated by students and colleagues as part of national Thank a Teacher Day today (Wednesday, 20 June).

Other MidKent College staff nominated for an award included Charlotte Brown from the Maidstone Campus' Construction & Engineering faculty, and Student Support team members Natalie Conetta and Melanie Sibley.

Will Wyatt – chairman of the Teaching Awards Trust – said: “No-one ever forgets a good teacher.

“They provide guidance to help their pupils reach their potential, set them on the right path or steer them from going down the wrong one.

“If you ask a current or former pupil to name their favourite teacher, almost all will have fond memories to share and it is this which the Pearson Teaching Awards champions.”

Visit www.teachingawards.com for more information.

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For all media enquiries, please contact Steve Knight, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 01634 383277 or email steve.knight@midkent.ac.uk.