Sunderland College’s Programme Leader for Film and Media Sally Taylor has been named one of the best lecturers in the UK after winning the Pearson National Teaching Silver Award.
Sally received the Department for Education (DfE) supported honour for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the students she works with every day.
The awards were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people.
Sally was nominated for the prestigious national award by her colleagues in the college’s Creative Arts faculty at Bede Campus exceeding expectations, particularly in enhancing the student experience. Sally’s contributions have consistently showcased innovative problem-solving, going above and beyond to meet stakeholder needs, and leaving a lasting impact.
Sally said: “To be nominated for this award in the first place by my line manager is an honour, but I am just absolutely thrilled to have won the Silver Award, as I know this is a highly competitive category.
“I am always highly ambitious for my students and strive to go above and beyond to ensure I am giving them the best possible experience while studying at college, and being recognised and acknowledged for the hard work I put in to make this happen is fantastic.”
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity now in its 25th year, that recognises the life-changing work that takes place in education and highlights the vital role educators play and the work they do in schools and colleges every day.
Lauren Robinson, Curriculum Manager for Creative Arts at Sunderland College said: “Sally’s passion, commitment and enthusiasm is truly inspiring. She’s always encouraging her students to explore the depths of media whilst also challenging conventional perspectives through her dynamic teaching style which is coupled with innovative pedagogical approaches.
“It comes as no surprise that Sally has won the Silver Award for FE Lecturer of the Year, it’s a testament to her exceptional contributions within education and it is an honour to endorse Sally for this well-deserved recognition and I have no doubt that her influence will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Toni Rhodes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Education Partnership North East added: “We are so thrilled for Sally, this is a clear testament to her passion and commitment, Sally is constantly finding new ways of engaging with students and creates an inspiring environment that encourages all students to succeed.”
Education Partnership North East, which includes Sunderland College, is proud of its experienced and dedicated staff who are being recognised nationally for providing excellent academic experiences for young people across the region.
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
