At a time when schools are doing more than ever to support their communities, teachers across the country have discovered they have been shortlisted for Education’s Oscars.
Selected from thousands of nominations, Misk Sharif Ali from City of Westminster College is one of 87 extraordinary shortlisted nominees from lecturers, school staff and schools who have been entered for the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Ms Misk Sharif Ali was nominated for a Silver Award for using her own personal experience of education to engage and connect with students who might not have found their motivation. She is also recognized for her focus on changing the language and attitude of her students to enable their own independence.
She is in the running to be one of the Silver Award winners. These will then compete to win one of just 14 Gold Awards which will be announced at the televised UK ceremony later in the year, broadcast on the BBC as ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord David Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.
Pupils and parents can show their appreciation for their amazing teachers, who are supporting children across the country in incredibly challenging conditions, by sending them a Thank You card for free via the Thank a Teacher campaign at
Misk Sharif Ali said:
“I feel truly honoured to be shortlisted for an award for a job I absolutely love. I am privileged to be able to teach and support young learners, particularly those with ‘challenging behaviours’, to aspire, develop further and, ultimately, to achieve. When I was a student I was labelled as, ‘teachers’ worst nightmare’, so becoming a teacher was a goal I thought I could never achieve; I did. Being shortlisted is further goal, testimony to my students, my colleagues and FE, where the work we all do empowers individuals; enhances our education system; and contributes to society as a whole”
“I feel truly honoured to be shortlisted for an award for a job I absolutely love. I am privileged to be able to teach and support young learners, particularly those with ‘challenging behaviours’, to aspire, develop further and, ultimately, to achieve. When I was a student I was labelled as, ‘teachers’ worst nightmare’, so becoming a teacher was a goal I thought I could never achieve; I did. Being shortlisted is further goal, testimony to my students, my colleagues and FE, where the work we all do empowers individuals; enhances our education system; and contributes to society as a whole”
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said:
“Congratulations to every one of our teachers, lecturers and school staff who have been shortlisted for a Silver Award. At a time of unprecedented challenge, schools across the country are stepping up and playing a vital role for the wellbeing of our pupils and their families, and it is only right that we take this opportunity to say thank you. At Pearson we are delighted to support these Awards every year and to recognise and celebrate teachers for their commitment, dedication and passion.
Steve Munby, Chair of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:
“Congratulations to all of the amazing staff in the running to win a Silver Award. This is fair recognition of the outstanding job they are doing and their efforts in going well beyond their role to make sure their students get every chance in life.
“Now more than ever is the time to appreciate our teachers and the fantastic work they are doing. I am honoured to be part of these Awards and to play my part in acknowledging teachers for the incredible job they do.”