Maghera teacher awarded Silver for Outstanding New Teacher in the Pearson National Teaching Awards

Maghera teacher Ciara Mulholland from St Patrick’s College, has been recognised with a Silver Award for Outstanding New Teacher in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Selected from thousands of nominees, the win highlights the remarkable impact they have on shaping the lives of the young people in their care.

Ciara is a native of the Maghera and a past pupil of the College, she was an outstanding ambassador during her years as a pupil; she was giving, passionate and diligent and continues to be so.

Since returning to her alma mater Ciara has embraced all the new experiences and has played a pivotal role on all the teams that she has been part of.

As a talented sports person she along with two other teachers have coached the Senior Camogie team to All – Ireland level.

She is an outstanding classroom practitioner raising the bar of expectation high for all the children in her care.

Ciara’s love for her subject and the pupils she teaches has led to her organising Science Clubs both in St Patrick’s and the local primary school, Saint Mary’s, Glenview.

Her leadership abilities have been recognised, she has held a post for Teaching and Learning and will join the pastoral team as an assistant year head in the new academic year.

Ciara is one of 102 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions named as silver winners in this year’s awards. They will now be in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony later in the year.

The announcement comes as celebrities, students and schools across the UK are today paying tribute to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the whole education community and shines a light on the exceptional impact they have on shaping young lives.

National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond. That’s why it is important for us to take a moment on this National Thank a Teacher Day to recognise their efforts.

“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation - thank you!”

Helen Davies, editor of Parent Power at the Sunday Times, Sponsor of the Award for Outstanding New Teacher says: “This year’s Silver Award winners have brought fresh ideas and boundless enthusiasm to the school environment, not only benefiting their students, but also invigorating the entire educational community, as well as going on to help create global citizens of the future. We're delighted to recognise the hard work, dedication and determination of everyone as sponsors of the Outstanding New Teacher Award.”

Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, says:

“We're delighted to recognise this year’s Silver Award winners on their outstanding achievements. The contributions they make and the impact they have on young people’s lives every day is truly exceptional. We're extremely proud to support the National Teaching Awards and mark the achievements of all of our very worthy winners. Thank you for your continued work and congratulations!!”