Ceremonies 2007
Finalists from the West Midlands come together at the Heritage Motor Centre
The quality of teaching has never been as good as it is today according to Estelle Morris, former education secretary, speaking at the West Midlands 2007 Teaching Awards ceremony last Friday.
It was the final event in a four-week TA tour of England, Wales and Northern Ireland covering 7512 miles and held in 13 prestigious locations.
Addressing the 35 West Midlands finalists and a 220-strong audience, she said she was “immensely proud” to know the current generation of “best teachers, best teaching assistants, governors and heads”.
Throughout the series of eventful ceremonies, attended by more than 3000 guests, there were gasps of excitement, heartfelt speeches and sometimes tears. Simon Duncan, winner of the BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School was not alone when he said: “I wasn’t this nervous on my wedding day!”
Four weeks earlier at the Café Royal in London, Lord Puttnam, founder of the awards in 1998, had launched the first ceremony and wished more than 420 finalists well. This year’s 143 winners now go forward to the Winners’ weekend in London on 20-21 October.
