Suzanne Boyd from Rolleston, Nottinghamshire has been named as the 2018 PK Education East Midlands Supply Teacher of the Year.
Suzanne, whose teaching career spans 16 years, was nominated for the award by fellow teachers, schools she has worked in and consultants at PK Education. She was one of three supply teachers shortlisted for the coveted award in the West Midlands and won the overall title after a landslide online vote which saw her receive 66% of the votes for the East Midlands area
The annual awards are organised by education recruitment specialist PK Education and are designed to recognise and reward the vital role supply teachers play in UK schools every day.
A delighted Suzanne commented: “I was absolutely stunned and thrilled when I was told I’d won.”
Suzanne made the move into supply teaching around 18 months ago. She explained, “I was a food and textiles teacher for 15 years and always loved it. But a family bereavement meant that the stress of teaching and the constant pressure that it brings came to a head. I didn’t want to move out of teaching because I love it. Supply teaching is the middle ground – I get the satisfaction of teaching without the workload and constant stresses.”
“Supply teaching is so flexible around family life, too. My daughter competes in British show jumping and is also in the process of setting up her own business. My transition into supply teaching has allowed me to enjoy a lot of her experiences with her. Time is so valuable and supply teaching has given me the opportunity to choose how I want to spend mine.”
Now in their fourth year, the annual PK Supply Teacher of the Year Awards recognise teachers from across six regions – the North East, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands and the North West.
Lee Carpenter, Director of PK Education, commented: “Dedicated supply teachers, such as Suzanne, are playing an increasing role in education as demand for supply staff is increasing.
“Although supply teaching offers many rewards it is not without its challenges. Often, supply teachers are walking into an unfamiliar school with students they’ve never met with little to no prep time. Yet they take it all in their stride, and teach with passion and professionalism to ensure every child can continue their education, regardless of what situation schools find themselves in.
“These awards are a small way of publicly recognising the UK’s many supply teachers for all their hard work and effort.”
For advice, support and roles in supply teaching, contact PK Education’s East Midlands offices in Nottingham on 0115 959 8301 or Leicester on 0116 296 1514.
