Are you an inspiration to the next generation?
…if so, come forward and be recognised!
The search for two inspirational figures who have increased the participation of minority ethnic people in education begins this week as nominations are sought for two 2003 Windrush education champion awards.
The Awards, sponsored by the teacher training agency (TTA), will recognise the role of teachers, teacher trainees and their tutors from minority ethnic communities. Nominees, who can be self-nominated or put forward by colleagues, pupils, or tutors, can obtain application forms by calling 01628 481 581.
A panel of judges will decide which shortlisted nominees will go forward to a gala event at London's Dorchester Hotel on Saturday 21 June, where the two winners will be announced.
The Windrush awards are named after the boat that brought some of the first immigrants to the UK from the West Indies in 1948. The awards recognise individuals from visible minority backgrounds who have excelled in their field through their individual contributions to society and promoting positive representations of their communities.
The TTA has sponsored the awards for the last three years and aims to attract more talented minority ethnic graduates into teaching.
Nominees are welcome from across the educational sector. They can range from school mentors and teachers who have effectively supported trainee teachers, to inspirational teacher training course leaders who have pioneered successful courses targeting minority ethnic communities.
Last year's winners, Yasmin Valli and Paul Dash were both excellent role models for those involved in widening the appeal of teaching.
Yasmin Valli teaches at Leeds Metropolitan University in the School of Education and Professional Development. She pioneered a support mechanism for minority ethnic teachers in Leeds and forged a path for herself as an Asian woman in the largely white male field of information technology.
Barbadian Paul Dash is a lecturer on the Postgraduate Certificate in Education in art at Goldsmiths College in South London and has exhibited his art at the Royal Academy. Paul's varied career has included helping to redraft areas of the National Curriculum for art, co-editing the Journal for Art and Design Education and initiating a scheme with the Tate Modern to increase interest in art amongst school students.
Alf Brown, Senior Adviser for Minority Ethnic Recruitment at the TTA and himself a former head of science, said: 'Teaching is one of the most rewarding and satisfying professions in the world where you can influence future generations. We need to tap into the talent amongst minority ethnic communities and encourage new graduates and those thinking about changing their careers to seriously consider teaching. We want the profession to better reflect the cultural make-up of the population, and we are making positive in-roads, with nearly eight per cent of this year's intake of teacher trainees coming from minority ethnic communities.
'The Windrush education champion awards are designed to celebrate and acknowledge the commitment of people who are opening the doors of teaching to people from all backgrounds - to make it truly accessible and representative. So, if you are one of these inspirational figures, or know someone who is, then make sure they are nominated and recognised!'
Nomination forms for the Windrush education champion awards, sponsored by the teacher training agency are available from Gus Mansour at Anserhouse. The closing date for entries is the end of April 2003.
Notes to editors:
- The teacher training agency (TTA) has sponsored the Windrush awards since 2000. For further information on nominees, visit www.anserhouse.co.uk or call Media Moguls on 020 8902 5575.
- The teacher training agency (TTA) was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to raise standards in schools by attracting able and committed people into teaching and by improving the quality of teacher training and induction.
- For further information on becoming a teacher, visit the TTA Website Teach or contact the Teaching Information Line 0845 6000 991, or for Welsh speakers 0845 6000 992. Minicom line 01245 454343. For further information, and to arrange interviews, please contact Media Moguls on 020 8902 5575.
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