Amanda Smith, from Hartlepool who teaches at Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) has been awarded a Distinction by the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards.

 Local heroes of education are celebrated on “thank a teacher day” by the Pearson Teaching Awards when the winners and runners up for the prestigious UK Regional Teaching Awards will be announced.

Amanda was shortlisted from all applicants in the category of Northern FE Lecturer of the Year for her amazing work on Level 2 and 3 art and design courses at The Northern School of Art and also her Saturday work on behalf of the Sorrell Foundation.

Exceptional teachers make all the difference; whether they inspire a love of a particular subject or encourage youngsters to develop in confidence and gain their full potential, the influence of a great teacher can last a lifetime.

The Pearson Teaching Awards are taking one day out to encourage children, students and parents to show their gratitude to a special teacher and say “thank you” at www.teachingawards.com.  

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the Teaching Awards said: ‘I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the Teaching Awards. I owe so much of what I’ve done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all.’ 

The Teaching Awards were founded by Lord Puttnam CBE to focus on inspired education professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible.

2013 is a record year for the Pearson Teaching Awards with over 24,000 nominations.  Each and every nomination is a “thank you” to an education professional who has made a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Rod Bristow, President of PearsonUKsaid: ‘Supporting the Pearson Teaching Awards gives us a unique opportunity to champion exceptional teaching professionals across theUK. Pearson has long held lifelong learning to be at the heart of all its business. All young people deserve the very best chance to make progress in their lives through education.

‘That is why we believe it’s vital to recognise inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation.’