Following the launch of TES Wales (www.tesconnect.com/wales), TES Connect today announces the launch of their My Best Teacher competition across Wales, in partnership with the country’s RBS 6 Nations winning rugby team.
The My Best Teacher campaign aims to recognise inspirational teachers in Wales after a survey – carried out by TES Connect in July this year – revealed that recent changes in education had left many teachers and leaders in Welsh schools feeling frustrated and undervalued.
Every school in Wales is eligible to take part in the competition which, in addition to recognising inspirational teachers, will also reward the winning teacher’s school with a first prize of thousands of pounds worth of IT equipment for their classrooms.
Lions, Wales and Cardiff Blues back row forward Sam Warburton, who speaks of his inspirational teachers in this month’s TES magazine and said, “As a youngster I was inspired to fulfil my potential by some great teachers, both in sport and in my other subjects. It’s important to recognise inspirational teachers as they can have such a pivotal role in young people’s lives.”
“The memories and impact of great teachers stay with us for life and help shape our view of the world, said WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis.
“Schools fulfil a vital role in introducing young people to rugby and nurturing talent and we are keen to support teachers in their work.
“We understand that workloads for teachers are increasing, so we want to support teachers in innovative ways to deliver rugby. We have developed a WRU School of Rugby initiative which rewards schools that show a commitment to the development of rugby by providing more playing and coaching opportunities, providing an opportunity for as many players as possible to achieve their potential and enjoy the game of rugby. We have also introduced and raised the standard and profile of various schools and colleges competitions especially the WRU Under 18 Wednesday League which now enjoys weekly television coverage, and we are providing additional resources and training to coaches and school teachers across the country.”
TSL CEO Louise Rogers said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to help raise the profile of teachers in Wales and we’re delighted to help them receive the recognition they deserve. We believe that Wales has some of the best and most inspirational educators in the world, so it’s only fitting that we are partnering with one of the world’s best rugby nations to help showcase that talent.”
TES Wales www.tesconnect.com/waleshas been created especially for Welsh teachers and provides them with a platform through which they can communicate, share lesson plans and best practice, find the latest industry news and features, and access the latest job opportunities and careers advice for free.