Mr Tom McCully

Teaching Awards 2007 Winner

The Ted Wragg Award for Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by the Innovation Unit in Northern Ireland

Belmont House Special School, LONDONDERRY

Children with special needs are often tucked away, out of sight. Not at Belmont House, where Tom McCully has recently had a nature trail and adventure playground built to draw other children to his school’s community and to extend local play opportunities.

This, in many ways, provides a suitable symbol for Tom’s 40-year career in the teaching profession, where he has devoted himself to making sure children with special educational needs get every opportunity in life.

Always a trail blazer, he has been head of Belmont House school for 20 years, where he has brought in innovative curriculum developments and led the way in helping other schools to provide for pupils with special needs. His achievements are now seen as a model for others in the region, and far beyond.

He has encouraged his teachers to go out and work in mainstream schools, and has helped set up a number of special units, offering specialist language provision, or additional nurture for vulnerable children. He has also set up a ‘campus’ system of linked schools and units, one effect of which is to allow his students to feel they can graduate to ‘college’.

At his own school, he has pioneered the use of technology, both in the classroom, and for improving school management, and also ensured that the school’s doors are always wide open to parents.

The Teaching Awards judges found that, although the buildings at Belmont House need updating, Tom’s warm banter and presence generated a loving family atmosphere that is deeply valued by pupils and parents.

His colleagues say he is a unique leader, “kind, thoughtful, caring and flexible.”

Tom believes strongly in continuing professional development, and has worked as an exchange teacher in the United States three times. He has also encouraged his teachers to work in the United States and Australia. The new ideas generated by such visits include the school’s well-stocked resource centre – funds for which were raised by Tom’s legendary charm and persuasion.

The Teaching Awards judges said: “Even though Tom is due to retire at the end of this academic year, he is still driving new ideas forward and planning for the future….He is a true professional who is looked to and respected throughout the school and much further beyond.”

Message Board

Please leave a messsage for Mr Tom McCully

• Comhghairdeas

  Comhghairdeas leat Tom!! Is léir go bhfuil obair mhór déanta agat agus is cinnte go bhfuil an duais seo toilteanach agat. Ádh Mór!

  Posted: June 19, 2007 at 19:06 PM | Author: Risteard Mac Daibhéid

• Congratulations

  Sincere congratulations on a well deserved reward and on making a difference in the lives of many children over the years. Have a happy retirement. Enjoy the experience. I did in 2003!

  Posted: June 21, 2007 at 00:06 AM | Author: William McElhinney

• Congratulations

  Congratulations. You really deserve it.

  Posted: June 26, 2007 at 16:06 PM | Author: Caroline Horan

• Happy Retirement

  Have a happy retirement Nothing more, nothing less To Mr. Sunshine Good-bye and God Bless

  Posted: June 28, 2007 at 14:06 PM | Author: Nuala Begley

• Well Done Boss

  Congratulations Tommy - you've been a wonderful boss and I'm delighted that you've received this well deserved award.Is it too late to withdraw your retirement? We'll miss you. Jane

  Posted: June 28, 2007 at 22:06 PM | Author: Jane Bryce

• Missing You Already

  Best wishes for your retirement. Will miss you really you know. The office just won't be the same again. Keep in touch

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 08:06 AM | Author: Denise Jack

• Happy Retirement and congrats

  congratulations on your award. may your retirement be filled with luck,love and laughter.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 08:06 AM | Author: Shauna and Christine

• Congratulions

  Tommy you have not only made a difference to the lives of the pupils, but everyone around you. You really deserve this recognition.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 09:06 AM | Author: Catherine Doran

• Congratulations

  Congratulations on your great achievement and enjoy a long and happy retirement.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 10:06 AM | Author: Marie Mc Cauley

• Goodbye

  Goodbye, good luck and best wishes for a happy retirement. You made a big difference to Belmont and you will certainly be missed! Imelda

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 11:06 AM | Author: Imelda Mallon

• Congratulations Sir.

  This award was made for you. Well deserved. Belmont House will miss you. Enjoy your retirement. Good Luck and God Bless.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 11:06 AM | Author: Wendy McGuigan

• Good Wishes

  A well deserved award - well done. You will be greatly missed at Belmont.Hope you have lots of happy days ahead.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 11:06 AM | Author: Louise Hamilton

• inspirational

  Tommy, congratulations. You have been a truly inspirational force to work with.

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 12:06 PM | Author: helen mccloskey

• New Horizons

  Tommy As you and Madeline set off on the next exciting phase of your lives together, just know that we who are left gazing after you, gaze with all of the aquired skills, expertise, commitment and enthusiasm that you have left us with. Special Education is in safe hands!! Best wished to both of you for a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement. Janet Peace

  Posted: June 29, 2007 at 14:06 PM | Author: Janet Peace

• Well deserved

  Congratulations on the well deserved recognition of your dedication to Belmont and to special needs education. You have been a truly unique leader- kind, thoughtful, caring, flexible, supportive and all this combined with a brilliant sense of humour . You will be greatly missed but never forgotten .

  Posted: June 30, 2007 at 20:06 PM | Author: Jane Bryce

• A California View

  Congratulations, Tom! There is absolutely no one your equal when it comes to leadership in education. You leave behind an amazing legacy! Lots of lessons for educators that even found their way to California classrooms.

  Posted: August 19, 2007 at 00:08 AM | Author: Ann Halligan

• AWonderful Tribute to a Great Man

  Congratulations on all you have done to bring Belmont to this place in history. Your spirit will live on in the staff you have so well prepared to carry on the great task of educating each special child who walks through your doors. I loved my three weeks in Derry and watching you in action - I learned so much from you. - Thank You! Enjoy all that is to come!

  Posted: August 20, 2007 at 23:08 PM | Author: Christine Hunter

• Congrats from Carlsbad! (USA)

  Tom, Nancy and I couldn't be happier for you. You have dedicated your life to education as this award confirms. We will never forget our wonderful exchange year at Belmont House during the 1995-1996 school year. We have you and your super staff to thank for making it such an "awesome" success! Cheerio! Bud Wilson

  Posted: August 21, 2007 at 06:08 AM | Author: Bud and Nancy Wilson

• And a Fulbright booster as well!

  It's not just in Londonderry, but in California as well, that you've been a leader. Twice you've graced this area, not only sharing your professional expertise, but together with Madelyn living the Fulbright mission of building greater global ties by spreading knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Northern Island and it's culture.

  Posted: August 22, 2007 at 05:08 AM | Author: Ruth Bates

• Congratulations

  All the very best in your retirement. It has been a privilege to know you. Thank you for all you have done.

  Posted: August 30, 2007 at 10:08 AM | Author: Kathleen Burns

• 31 years ago-so many memories

  Greatings from Walnut Creek, California USA 31 years ago you, Tom and Madelyn. came into our lives at Del Valle High School in Walnut Creek and our lives along with the students' lives in our community changed forever. Your positive attitude, engaging personality and genuine caring for people of a different world was imbraced immediately. Fortunately my wife and I have had the good fortune to have reunions with you through the years including visits here in California and in Derry. Of course the backpacking trips to Yosemite are memorable, but the first visit with you and the children at Belmont House in 1993 was definitely a religious experience. It was totally amazing to Diana and I how one person could totally absorb the needs of these special students and assemble a staff that dedicated their teaching careers to this monumental task.In my mind you are a candidate for sainthood. So, Tom, happy retirement (but we know that you can never retire). You definitely are an embassdor for what education should be. Northern Ireland is most fortunate to have spawned such a magnificient human being. With much respect, Harry

  Posted: October 15, 2007 at 06:10 AM | Author: Harry Innocenti