Three members of our Argyll Education Staff are finalists in the 2020 Scottish Education Awards.
David Mitchell, of Dunoon Grammar, is amongst the three finalists in the Head Teacher of the Year category.
Paul Gallanagh, also of Dunoon Grammar, and Susan Carter, of Kilmartin Primary, are two of the final three nominees for Teacher of the Year.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, Policy Lead for Education, said: “I am so proud of our three finalists.
“David, Susan and Paul are shining examples of the dedicated teaching staff throughout Argyll and Bute striving to make sure our children and young people have the best possible start in life. The innovation and enthusiasm we see in our classrooms, day in and day out, is a testament to their dedication.
“I wish David, Susan and Paul all the very best when the winners are announced in November. As far as I’m concerned, they’re all winners.”
The Scottish Education Awards celebrate the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education. Nominations provide feedback from colleagues, pupils and parents/guardians.
David Mitchell, Head Teacher at Dunoon Grammar, has been described as: “everything a leader, colleague, parent and friend should be. He is undoubtedly kind and puts his learners, their families and his staff first – David is the heart of DGS and DGS is at the heart of our community.” A former pupil, and Head Boy, of the school, he completed his teacher training there before gaining further experience in other schools. Since returning to Dunoon Grammar he has anchored it at the heart of the community while leading it to the accolade of European Enterprising School of the Year in 2019.
Susan Carter’s colleagues at Kilmartin Primary describe her as inspiring and motivating. Pupils think she is fun, creative and makes topics interesting, while parents feel she gets the best out of their children. She encourages them to think out of the box and gives the confidence to find their voice. As one pupil put it: “She can make any hard work fun and believes in us all.”
Head of Business and Computing, at Dunoon Grammar, Paul Gallanagh, is described as ‘inspirational’ with and enthusiastic, infectious personality that rubs off his classes and across the school community. Paul has led the school to a number of national awards and in doing so has embedded the spirit of enterprise within the pupils. He encourages pupils to lead their own learning. One S4 pupil said: "Teachers are there to support and encourage us and to make us think, rather than telling us exactly what to do.”
Notes:
The annual event recognises those who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcases the valuable work and innovation in Scottish classrooms. Entry to the awards is open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, ELCs and special schools.