Mrs Dorothy Elliott
Teaching Awards 2008 Winner
The DCSF Award for Governor of the Year in North East and Cumbria
Portland College - Specialist School for Cognition and Learning, SUNDERLAND
Dorothy Elliott has worked tirelessly for 20 years to help Portland College, which caters for pupils with severe learning difficulties, to develop its own unique vision. She has been pivotal in securing the school’s specialist status as one of only 35 schools in the country focussing on cognition and learning, and been the driving force behind securing superb new facilities.
Her background in industry makes her the kind of person who can “make things happen”, and in her eight years as chair of governors has been skilful at balancing day-to-day duties with strategic concerns. She is deeply committed to equal opportunities, and uses the weight of her experience to secure the best possible deal for the school’s vulnerable pupils.
Dorothy is always around school, and always willing to make time to help. The school head says: “She is not only my own critical friend, but by asking very pertinent and searching questions, provides both rigor and challenge to the work and strategic thinking of my senior leadership team too.” New governors appreciate her wisdom and insights, and parents find her support invaluable.
She also offers her skills on a wider stage. She helps train other local school governors, is a lay member of the General Teaching Council, helps with training for the National College for School Leadership, as well as working with young enterprise groups, and with refugee groups to encourage refugee children into education.
She is a great communicator and persuaded Teachers TV to come to the school and make a documentary about it, which was broadcast last year.
She is also a committed fundraiser, and is currently fighting for improved sports and recreational facilities, which will also be used not only by children in school but also those with life-long illness and disability.
