Plumbing tutor Paul Oatham, who has been nominated for the Further Education Lecturer of the Year in the Pearson Teaching Awards, with some of his students.
A plumbing tutor at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is in the running to be named Further Education Lecturer of the Year.
Paul Oatham has been shortlisted in the Pearson Teaching Awards 2018 after being praised as a ‘wonderful and inspirational’ teacher by his students and colleagues.
The Pearson Teaching Awards recognise the outstanding work of exceptional teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and further education lecturers across the UK.
Rachel Joseph, 46, who is studying a Plumbing Diploma Level 2 after completing a Level 1 last summer, was one of the students who nominated Mr Oatham for the award.
She said: “I’ve never had a teacher like Paul. He cares for every one of us and goes out of his way to explain what we need to know and help us through our exams. He is a great support and mentor.
“He sends us videos of what is coming up on the course and makes sure everything is ready. It’s all there, step by step. He’s very inspirational and motivates his students, and just a wonderful teacher.”
Award nominees for the Further Education Lecturer of the Year are judged based on the learning environment they have created, teaching and learning, working with others, assessment and their contribution outside the classroom.
CONEL also nominated Mr Oatham who was awarded a Staff Excellence Award by the College in 2017 where he was described as “a brilliant teacher”.
Torcato Coutinho, Head of Teaching and Learning, wrote: “When I first met Paul I knew he was a special lecturer. He came to my office to introduce himself when he first joined the College and spoke about his love for teaching with great passion and commitment in a way I had not heard for some time.
“Paul is an inspirational lecturer. He empowers and motivates everyone he engages with. These qualities are just a few of the many he exhibits with all of his and other students, every single day.”
Mr Oatham, who joined CONEL in September 2016, said: ““I believe passionately in teaching and learning, and it’s unbelievably humbling to be recognised and be put forward by this group of learners and the College for this award.”
Judging will take place during April and May with the winners set to be announced on 22 June.