TWO teachers from the same school in Powys have been nominated in this year’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Emma Evans and Carys Jones, both from Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School, have been shortlisted for the awards and will find out in July if they have won.

Of all the nominations across nine categories, Emma and Carys are the only two representatives from Powys, with both coming from Rhayader.

Carys is one of three finalists in the Learning Support Assistant award and Emma will also battle two others for the Learners’ Award for Best Teacher/Lecturer accolade.

Linda Crockett, headteacher at Rhayader Primary School, said the school is “extremely proud” of both teachers.

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“A group of year 6 children nominated Emma Evans,” said Ms Crockett.

“They feel she is an inspirational and creative teacher who allows them to be themselves. She prepares them well for the transition to high school and develops their independence.

“Carys Jones is the school pastoral manager and she was nominated after the positive feedback from parents.

“Carys supports families and the children extremely well and goes above and beyond for all of our families.”

She added: “We wish them both all the best for the awards, regardless of the outcome they are winners to us.

“Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School is very fortunate to have an amazing team of talented and skilled staff that work extremely well together to provide the best opportunities for every child at the school.”

Emma and Carys are among 27 education professionals who have made it to the finals of the sixth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru, which celebrates the inspiring education workforce across Wales.

Nominations were received from parents, carers, learners and colleagues across Wales.

The Learners’ Award for Best Teacher or Lecturer is designed for a learner (or group of learners) past or present to nominate a teacher or lecturer or other member of staff who has made a huge difference to their life in school.

A teacher or lecturer who has inspired you to want to learn, offered you advice and support regarding your wellbeing and motivated you to do your best.

The Learning Support Assistant award is aimed at those who have provided outstanding support and had an exceptional impact on the teaching and learning in the school.

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The 10 award categories include:

  • Headteacher/Principal of the Year;
  • Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language;
  • Outstanding New Teacher;
  • Teacher of the Year in a Primary School;
  • Learners’ Award for Best Teacher/Lecturer;
  • Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School; Learning Support Assistant;
  • And the Betty Campbell (MBE) award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

New awards for this year are the Lecturer of the Year and Learners’ Engagement in School/College awards.

Cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle, said: “I’m delighted to reveal the finalists for this year’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

“We received the highest number of nominations to date and, as ever, there is an incredibly high standard, highlighting the inspiring education professionals we have in Wales.

“I look forward to celebrating these incredibly motivated individuals who are so committed to getting the best out of their learners.”

The awards ceremony will take place in July.