Plumbing tutor Paul Oatham collects his Silver Award in the Further Education Lecturer of the Year category of the Pearson Teaching Awards from Sarah Ebjana, Chair of the CONEL Local Advisory Board.
A ‘fantastic and very dedicated’ tutor at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London has won a Silver Award in the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards.
Paul Oatham, who has been teaching Plumbing at the College since October 2016, scooped the award in the Further Education Lecturer of the Year category.
The Pearson Teaching Awards recognise the outstanding work of exceptional teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and further education lecturers across the UK.
Sarah Ebjana, Chair of the CONEL Local Advisory Board, presented Paul with his trophy at the College’s annual Graduation Ceremony at its Tottenham Centre on 26 June.
He was joined by his wife Jill, daughter Louise and parents William and Valerie, and some of his students who along with the College nominated him for the award.
Addressing the graduates as he accepted the award, Paul said: “This all came about because of this wonderful group of students. It is very humbling to be up here on your evening.
“Your success is our success, your down days are our worst days. Do look back but go forward – that’s the direction you are going in now.”
At the time he was described as a ‘wonderful and inspirational’ teacher who inspires his students with his passion and commitment to his subject and education.
Paul will now go on to join fellow Silver Award winners, Scottish Education Award winners and Professional Teaching Awards Cymru, at the 20th UK Ceremony of the Pearson Teaching Awards, to find out if is a winner of one of just 12 Gold Plato Awards.
aul Oatham with his family and some of the students who nominated him with the College for the Pearson Education Award alongside Principal Andy Forbes and Sarah Ebjana, Chair of the CONEL Local Advisory Board.
Principal Andy Forbes said: “The Pearson Teaching Awards are one of the most prestigious in education, and I am absolutely thrilled Paul has received a Silver Award.
“Paul is a fantastic and very dedicated tutor. He has had a huge impact on both his students and colleagues who speak incredibly highly of him.
“He has been rightly recognised for his hard work and exceptional teaching and fully deserves this accolade, and I congratulate him on this superb achievement.”
Pearson is one of the world's leading education companies providing educational products, resources, assessment and services at all levels of learning.
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: "Huge congratulations to all those receiving a silver trophy. They should feel extremely proud of their achievements and join an inspirational group of Teaching Award winners from the past two decades.
“It’s an honour for Pearson to support these awards each year. It’s so vital to recognise and celebrate those in the teaching profession, for their commitment to education and for the impact they have on young people's lives.”
The Graduation Ceremony saw nearly 100 learners receive certificates after successfully completing their vocational courses and apprenticeships in 2017-18.
Certificates were presented for Access to Higher Education Diplomas, Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diplomas, Professional Diplomas, Teacher Education courses up to postgraduate level and Advanced Apprenticeships.