A REDCAR & Cleveland College tutor has been honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony after being secretly nominated by her students in recognition of her supportive role.
Michelle Kelso, Access to Higher Education Health Pathway tutor at the college was awarded the Students’ Choice honour at the annual One Awards event on Friday 11 March after beating off stiff competition from tutors in the region.
The One Awards, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, held its annual Access to HE Celebratory Awards at the Sage in Gateshead to applaud the achievements of Access students and their tutors who are personally nominated by students.
Despite only being in post for over a year, Michelle was praised for her inspiring and supportive role by students Leanne Harrison and Fleur Harding who secretly nominated her in the Students’ Choice category.
Michelle, who attended Redcar & Cleveland College as a Health and Social student from 1982 to 1984, has 26 years’ experience in the health and social care industry, most recently working as a manager at Wheatacres Day Centre in Redcar.
Now, in her role at the college, Michelle helps students who are looking to progress to university to study a health related profession including Adult Nursing, Midwifery and Occupational Therapy.
Michelle, from Eston, said: “I’m so honoured and overwhelmed to have been chosen for the award as I had no idea both Leanne and Fleur had nominated me until I received an email to say I’d be picked as the winner.
“I never thought after almost 30 years in the health care industry I would be teaching, let alone win a Students’ Choice award but it is a job I really love”
“It’s been fantastic to return to Redcar & Cleveland College, this time as a tutor, and I’m so flattered my role has been recognised by the students. It makes me so proud to see my students succeed and gain places at their chosen universities and I will continue to make them my main focus.”
Speaking of her choice to nominate Michelle, Leanne said: “I’m so pleased Michelle won the Students’ Choice award. She is a fantastic tutor and I know her future students will have a great chance succeeding with her support. She is really dedicated, puts her heart and soul into her teaching and genuinely wants the best for her students.”