A TEACHER has said she is delighted to have been nominated for a Worcestershire Education Award.

Vicky Watts, who recently became assistant headteacher at Dines Green Community Academy, has been nominated for our Teacher of the Year Award.

Mrs Watts has been nominated for the award by Kimberley Price who wrote: "My daughter Summer is in the extremely vulnerable category as she has Cystic Fibrosis, so we spent a lot of time at home on teams doing her school work.

"Mrs Watts ensured Summer had a laptop to use as we where using my mobile phone, also she made the situation more bearable every day

"I couldn't think of anyone who deserves this more she is the best teacher in the world."

Mrs Watts said it had "made her day" to hear she had been nominated for the award, and was holding back tears of happiness.

"I work for a really inclusive school, that have a children with a range of needs," the 40-year-old said.

"It is one of our strengths, supporting children and their families.

"It has been a real tough time, but what has been really nice is in our community we have all pulled together."

The awards, run by our Worcestershire titles including the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, aim to shine a light on those in education who have worked tirelessly to support, teach and care for our young people through what has been an incredibly difficult time.

There are 12 categories in our Worcestershire Education Awards 2022. They are:

  • Lockdown Hero award
  • Headteacher of the Year
  • Teacher / Lecturer of the Year
  • New Teacher of the Year
  • Support Staff of the Year
  • Early Years Education/Primary School of the Year
  • Middle/Secondary School of the Year
  • Independent School of the Year
  • Special Educational Needs Award
  • College or Post-18 Education & Training Provider of the Year Award
  • Star Student (under 16) of the Year
  • Star Student (over 16) of the Year

Voting closes on Friday, December 17, and our panel of judges will choose the finalists, who will be featured in our titles.

Regional editor Stephanie Preece said: “It’s been an incredibly tough time for all of those involved in education as our community battled a pandemic subsequent lockdown, and was forced to adapt our very way of life.

“That’s why we have once again teamed up with the University of Worcester to launch the fourth Worcestershire Education Awards scheme and shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference.

“It’s time to reward those members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes.”

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony in early 2022.

  • Nominations are open - just click here
  • If your business or organisation is interested in sponsoring one of the awards contact dale.godliman@newsquest.co.uk