In school we were always told if you “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” and if it weren’t for our teachers, most of us would certainly have failed!
Our Inspirational Educator Award, sponsored by Tayto, will honour someone who has went above and beyond to deliver the best possible outcomes for their pupils. These finalists have all exhibited a true calling to teaching and a genuine desire to do the best for young people.
The finalists for the Inspirational Educator category this year are: Clare Conlon; Leontia Munroe; Patrice McGinley; Naoise McSherry and David Cunningham; and Siobhan Scowcroft. Vote for your winner here.
Clare Conlon is a Maths teacher in St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook.
Clare’s mother was diagnosed with a brain tumour over a year ago and when Clare leaves the classroom she becomes her mother’s full-time carer, alongside her dad.
Her nominator wrote: “Clare is an exceptional practitioner who puts thought into every lesson, teaching children of all abilities, backgrounds & with several individual needs.
“Clare is also our numeracy coordinator and is at the heart at providing much needed 1-1 intervention for our weakest and most vulnerable students. She is a friend to all and a support to many within our department and around the school.
“She is someone everyone can turn to in their time of need. What truly makes Clare an inspirational educator is that outside of the classroom Clare cannot switch off from the caring individual she is.
“Clare copes with so much more than just teaching. And yet when in the classroom she continues to be a truly inspirational teacher.”
Leontia Munroe goes the extra mile at Lismore Comprehensive School in Craigavon, with one nominator describing her as the “most humble, nicest woman” they’ve ever met.
She has been working in education for decades and has helped provide for less fortunate students by providing breakfast for them. She even offered to pay for GCSE Religion re-sits for those who couldn’t find the money to repeat.
She would hold online meetings from home at the weekends and evenings to ensure everyone had a good understanding of their subjects.
One former student said: “Mrs Munroe has faced her own struggles throughout her time teaching us, but has always showed up to school to teach us and did so to an amazing standard.
“She is always sharing stories to make religious education more interesting and relatable for all of us. Mrs Munroe was one of the main reasons I decided to take Religion as an A-Level and I’m truly glad I did so. Mrs Munroe has been an inspiration to me and I hope to one day become half the teacher she is.”
Another student said: “Mrs Munroe has always been supportive of our entire year group and has even helped provide for less fortunate students.
Mrs Munroe is truly one of the most caring and considerate teachers I have ever came across and I know it would absolutely make her up to receive a reward recognising her life’s work in education.”
Patrice McGinley at Dara Pre-School in Armagh has been a pre-school teacher for a number of years.
A parent, who nominated Patrice for the award, wrote: “I often hear parents mention how much their child has loved Patrice and how she has had a huge impact on them.
“This year my wee boy who has additional needs went to the open day at Dara Pre-School and made an instant connection with Patrice. Patrice has ended up being his 1-1 assistant due to how well he took to her at the open day, this isn’t something that normally happens with him.
“The impact she has made on him is amazing, he loves going to school, he feels safe, has fun and has made amazing progress. I know every day when I drop him off at school I don’t have to worry as he is happy and I am just as happy as he is.
“Patrice has an amazing way with all the kids in her care and this is reflected in how kids and parents speak so highly of her. Patrice deserves recognition as care and education she provides children with is exceptional and on another level.”
David Cunningham is the Principal of Ceara School, a special needs school in Lurgan. He is nominated alongside Naoise McSherry, a teacher at the school.
A nominator said of Mr Cunningham: “He goes above and beyond for our young people, who are very special indeed. He runs a special school in Lurgan, the only one in our area and faces many challenges to ensure our children have the best chance at education.
“A true gentleman, with a heart of pure gold. Not many could do his job, never mind carry it with such grace. Our school caters for children with severe and profound learning difficulties and he fights their corner day in and day out to provide a nurturing educational safe space for all.
“He is a great role model to his staff also, and our wellbeing is thought of greatly throughout the year.”
Of Ms McSherry, a nominator said: “She’s the best teacher, always bends over backwards for her students in Ceara School, helping out all the children with additional needs and gives 110% to her job.
Another said: “Naoise is a really good teacher for Ceara School, gives her all everyday for her students to help reach their goals.”
Siobhan Scowcroft has been a teacher, vice-principal and now Principal of Lisanally Special School for many years.
Her nominator said: “She works tirelessly as an advocate for these young people ensuring they are safely looked after, taught and encouraged to be the best they can be and included in many programmes.
“She is especially proud of their musical achievements (she has been a lifetime member of St Patricks RC Choir) and is an empathetic and generous individual who has championed her school for better services and help to give the children the best opportunities whilst under her care. She is a kind and caring person and a great friend to all. She so deserves to be honoured for all that she does.”
