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Northern Area Teacher of the Year at Saint Paul’s
Staff and pupils at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe are celebrating the success of their inspirational teacher, Ms Ursula Gallagher, who has just won the third place award for the North of England Teacher of the Year. The awards are education’s biggest annual celebration of excellence.
Ursula Gallagher, who uses a variety of innovative ideas in her teaching, has been recognised for her innovation and dedication at a top ceremony at The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. Ursula was also recognised with an award two years ago by the Centre for Urban Education for her “Exceptional Commitment, Endeavour and Enthusiasm”.
Ursula’s nomination was supported by Ms Joy Rose, the school’s Director of Education and Learning, who commented “Ursula is an outstanding teacher, popular with pupils and staff, extremely hard working and especially creative. She has made an exceptional contribution to Saint Paul’s.”
Ursula has had an incredible career in such a short time, coming into education late having worked in industry. She began at Saint Paul’s as a Learning Manager covering classes for absent staff. She completed a degree and gained a first class honours, whilst working and bringing up her children on her own. Her talent was obvious from the beginning and Saint Paul’s encouraged her to enroll on the Graduate Teaching Programme. She was appointed as a teacher at Saint Paul’s when she qualified and is now in her third year of teaching.
What stands out with Ursula is the interest and enthusiasm which you see in her pupils. Lauren Jones, a Year 10 pupil summed this up: “Ms Gallagher makes me feel confident and influences me. When I go in her lesson it is more like a hobby or a passion. We have debates. She tricks us into thinking they are for fun but they are really revision to benefit us.”
Ms Rose added: “Her lessons are no longer simply about knowledge and content. They are the vehicle for the development of thinking skills, investigating, problem solving, decision making, analysing and evaluating.”
The awards are designed to illustrate the inspiring work being done by teachers and head teachers all over the country. It is a challenging job and the award winners show how rewarding it can be.
The Teaching Awards were founded by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998.
"The Teaching Awards provides a unique opportunity for us to celebrate those who, tirelessly and often selflessly, dedicate their lives to securing a future for the next generation," said Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE.
“We are delighted with Ursula’s achievement,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “The award recognises her commitment, enthusiasm, strong leadership and power to inspire. The influence of such an outstanding teacher on the lives of our pupils and their families cannot be underestimated.”
Mr Daron added “I would like to thank her wholeheartedly for the important contribution she has made to Saint Paul’s. She is a shining example to all!”