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For construction tutor Lee Johnson, there’s little that gives more job satisfaction than seeing a student grasp something they never thought they could.

To know he has played his part is what makes the hard work worthwhile.

Now his dedication and commitment to students at Redcar and Cleveland College has been recognised with a certificate of achievement from the 2020 Pearson National Teaching Awards.

“I feel quite honoured and a bit humbled,” said Lee, who was nominated for the Excellence in Special Needs Education title.

While he might have missed out on the top spot, the award organisers wanted to recognise his contribution.

Receiving a letter and certificate of excellence, Lee, who is also a learning support assistant at the college, said: “I was gobsmacked to be quite honest. I didn’t expect anything like this at all.”

Nominating him for the award, the College’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Philippa Hambley, said: “Lee has taken on a challenging role this year of teaching a new bespoke construction group, made up of a small cohort of learners who needed a small group provision to meet their needs.”

Despite the youngsters having previously been disengaged from education for a variety of reasons, Philippa explained that Lee has managed to reach the young people, inspiring their learning, even in the midst of the lockdown. 

“His approach to their learning was flexible, relaxed and responsive to the students’ needs. It has been a huge success,” she said.

Lee said: “I love my job and to see the students’ succeed is the best feeling in the world. To be able to give them that bit more information to help them feel like they can do this and feel good about themselves, is just amazing.”

Of the bespoke construction group, he said: “They are such a nice group of students, they have been fantastic. To see them continue to engage during the lockdown is quite extraordinary really.”

Proud to have his efforts recognised both by his colleagues and the Pearson National Teaching Awards, he said: “I always try to do my best anyway, but it gives you that extra boost and makes you that bit more determined.”

Lee Johnson Bright
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