Welsh teaching staff prepare for awards

Teachers in Wales are set to be rewarded for their dedication and hard work at a major awards ceremony next week.

The Western Mail reports that the finalists in the Teaching Awards 2009 will meet to find out who has won the coveted prizes at a ceremony in Cardiff City Hall on Tuesday.

Among the awards up for grabs is the special needs teacher of the year, as well as prizes for the teaching assistant of the year and a number of awards for teachers and headteachers in primary and secondary schools.

The event is designed to promote the efforts of unsung heroes in classrooms throughout Wales and the winners will receive a Plato, which is the Teaching Awards trophy that symbolises excellence in education.

Meanwhile, the Portsmouth News reports a primary school teacher from Fareham has won a Teaching Award in south England after being voted the best for his innovative teaching methods designed to give pupils a say in the classroom.

Mark Townsend gives his primary school pupils the opportunity to discuss hot topics in current affairs through a forum at the school.

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