Inspirational Merthyr Tydfil Teacher Honoured in UK Celebration of Teaching

Troedyrhiw Community Primary teacher Hannah Lewis named Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at glamorous ceremony

A Merthyr Tydfil teacher has this evening been named as one of the nation’s most inspirational educators at a prestigious awards ceremony. Selected from thousands of nominations, Hannah Lewis has won a Gold Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards for The Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year.

The award comes following a week-long celebration of teaching which ended with a prestigious ceremony celebrating all 102 Silver Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards. At the ceremony, Hannah Lewis was honoured alongside their fellow Gold Winners across 15 categories as the best of the UK’s educators.

Hannah is a vibrant, enthusiastic and committed teacher who motivates positive learning attitudes from all those around her – pupils, staff, parents and governors. In addition to being a highly effective teacher, Hannah is a valuable member of the team, sharing her expertise, knowledge and skills to enable others to develop professionally.

During lockdown, Hannah was instrumental in training parents as well as children in the use of digital devices, coaching parents over the phone where necessary. She followed this up by inviting parents and the local community into school for support sessions, including cyber security, C.V. writing workshops, and digital skills training.

The Pearson National Teaching Award winners have been honoured for their incredible work supporting learners across the country. Each award winner has repeatedly gone above and beyond their role to change the lives of their students and help them move towards a brighter future.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. The 2022 Pearson National Teaching Awards open for entry on Friday 26 November 2021.

Hannah Lewis, winner of the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year Award, said:

“I feel very proud and so happy. It means so much to get this recognition. For a small valley school to be part of these awards and valued for the work we’re doing is so fantastic! The children are going to be so shocked and happy.

“Teaching is so important and such a rewarding profession. It is challenging but this award shows us how valued we are. I’ve always had a good experience with teachers – they’ve had a positive impact on me, and I’ll be happy if I can do that for the children I teach.

“It is so worth it! I’m so happy my head nominated me.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“People of all ages will always remember that wonderful teacher who made such a difference in their lives. The teacher will never know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many families, but our hope is that these awards help show our gratitude.”

Sharon Hague, Managing Director of Pearson School Qualifications, said:

“Hannah Lewis is a shining example of the wonderful educators who work tirelessly across the country to provide the best possible experience for their students, and we thank them all.

“Throughout the awards we’ve heard so many inspirational stories of school and college staff who show such exceptional dedication to their students, to their colleagues, and to their communities. Our congratulations go to all winners on their award.”

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

“I would like to congratulate Hannah Lewis for this recognition of their amazing work and dedication to their students. Winning one of these awards is a terrific achievement and is testament to Hannah’s skill, commitment and passion for teaching.

“We are lucky enough to have some of the best teachers in the world and I would like to thank every single one of our education staff for their hard work supporting children and young people, especially during the pandemic.”