A brand new teacher, Liam Stephenson from Walker, has been named as the 2018 PK Education North East Supply Teacher of the Year.
The annual awards are organised by education recruitment specialist PK Education and are designed to recognise and reward the vital role supply teachers play in UK schools every day.
Liam was nominated for the award by fellow teachers, schools he has worked in and consultants at PK Education. He was one of two supply teachers shortlisted for the coveted award in the North East and won the overall title after a landslide online vote which saw him receive a whopping 95% of the votes for the North East area.
A delighted Liam commented: “I’m really chuffed to have won, I got into supply teaching to be the best version of myself and the best teacher I can be, so it’s amazing to have this recognised with the award.”
Having started his career in education by volunteering at a local primary school as a teaching assistant, Liam wanted to use his degree in Childhood Studies but not go straight into a permanent role.
He explained, “Starting in supply teaching last year offered me the option to experience a variety of schools, pupils and staff before working out where I’d like to be in a permanent role. The experience of supply teaching has definitely helped me on my way to that.”
Now in their fourth year, the annual PK Supply Teacher of the Year Awards recognise teachers from across six regions – the North East, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Midland, West Midlands and the North West.
Lee Carpenter, Director of PK Education, commented: “Dedicated supply teachers, such as Liam, are playing an increasing role in education as demand for supply is increasing.
“Although supply teaching offers many rewards it is not without its challenges. Often, supply teachers are walking into an unfamiliar school with students they’ve never met with little to no prep time. Yet they take it all in their stride, and teach with passion and professionalism to ensure every child can continue their education, regardless of what situation schools find themselves in.
“These awards are a small way of publicly recognising the UK’s many supply teachers for all their hard work and effort.”
For advice, support and roles in supply teaching, contact PK Education’s North East office on 0191 269 6910.