London lecturer, Alex Thomas, from City Lit, has been named a Silver award winner of the SEND and Inclusive Practice category in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards for their incredible impact on their college.
Alex has transformed what adults with learning disabilities believe they can achieve. As Lecturer and Leader of the City Lit Percussion Orchestra, he designs and delivers a rigorous, student-centred programme that nurtures musical talent, independence and confidence.
Alex is among 99 outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year’s awards on National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact.
Alex will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
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 teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.
“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy, and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day”
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says: “For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year’s Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we’re delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!”
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: “On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.
“I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives.”
