Inspirational SERC Lecturer Honoured in UK Celebration of Teaching

A South Eastern Regional College (SERC) lecturer has been named a Silver Award winner in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards and is now in the running for Gold. Stefanie Campbell, Deputy Head of the Learning Academy at SERC, is one of only 76 Silver Award winners across the UK, selected from thousands of nominations. Stefanie is honoured in the Digital Innovator of the Year category for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the learners and staff on all SERC campuses. The Award follows on the success of the College’s BTEC Award for College of the Year announced in June.

Stefanie, from Saintfield, is now in the running for one of 14 Gold Awards, which will be presented later in the year in a ceremony to be broadcast on BBC. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country.

Congratulating Stefanie on her Silver Award, SERC Principal and CEO Ken Webb said, “This award is very well deserved and is a fantastic reflection of the work Stefanie has done both in inspiring and supporting colleagues and, previously in the classroom, working with mature students and promoting the use of digital technology for adults returning to education. She has been a catalyst for positive change at SERC and embodies the College spirit of enquiry, innovation and collaboration. Stefanie’s work helped lay a strong foundation for digital learning which was invaluable in the College’s smooth transition to online operations during lockdown this year. Congratulations, Stefanie, and the very best wishes for the Gold Awards!”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the people they work with. This year marks its 22nd year of celebrating award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said, “Over the past year, we have, all of us, come to appreciate and respect the value of teachers. They have so often been taken for granted. Not anymore. Parents know now what it takes to teach, and teach well, and how much commitment, dedication and enthusiasm and knowledge and understanding, yes – and patience.

“Children know it too if they didn’t before. So many missed their teachers as well as their friends. We all honour them today. Let’s now praise them, wish them well and above all, thank them.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said, “Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners for their commitment, dedication and passion for their work. Despite the incredible challenges they have faced over the past few months, school staff have risen to the occasion time and again.

“It is so important to recognise and celebrate teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers for the impact they have on our young people every year, and that is why Pearson is delighted to support these Awards.”

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