A teaching assistant whose flair for teaching maths at a Deal school led to her qualifying as a teacher, has been shortlisted for an award at the Education Oscars.

Kirsty Gaythwaite has been nominated for a Silver Award in the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year category of the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Selected from thousands of nominees, she, along with 87 others across 14 categories will find out their fate after Easter when a virtual judging process, made necessary because of the coronavirus pandemic, has been completed.

The teacher at Goodwin Academy initially joined the school as a learning support assistant to help vulnerable pupils. But when her teaching talent was discovered she began studying in her evenings and weekends for a diploma in education.

The news of her being shortlisted has been heralded by the school and in a statement it said: "Since qualifying as a teacher has continued to put in immense amounts of work to ensure her students succeed.

"She has organised lunchtime revision sessions, after school interventions, Easter and May holiday sessions and constant communication with parents, all to make sure her Year 11 students have the best possible chance when it comes to their exams."

If she becomes one of the Silver Award winners she 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.

"We are ecstatic that a member of our teaching team is a finalist..."

Simon Smith, Principal at Goodwin Academy, said: "Goodwin Academy is proud to have teachers who are dedicated to transforming life chances of all students.

"We are ecstatic that a member of our teaching team is a finalist in the Pearson National Teaching Awards and her enthusiasm, commitment and passion has been recognised"

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.

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."

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 by clicking here

News from our universities, local primary and secondary schools including Ofsted inspections and league tables can be found here.

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