IN her first year of teaching, Katie Palmer has been praised for her “exceptional qualities” and for already making a significant difference to the lives her students.

Miss Palmer, who trained with the Stourport SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training), has been nominated for Early Career Teacher of the Year in the Worcestershire Education Awards.

Now teaching at Kidderminster’s Baxter College, she has been described as dedicated, supportive and ambitious for her tutor group and classes.

She said: “I was shocked but delighted to hear I had been nominated for this award. I am passionate about teaching and do my very best to support my students and push them to their potential.”

“I’ve had a great foundation through the Stourport SCITT training where I had fantastic mentors and I cannot thank enough, my colleagues at Baxter College for the unwavering support I receive daily.

“It’s an absolute honour to be a nominee of these fantastic regional awards.”

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Miss Palmer was nominated by Gemma Alldritt, learning institute director at the Severn Academies

Educational Trust, of which the school and SCITT are part.

She said: “Katie is an exceptional early career teacher who embodies the qualities of kindness, care, and high expectations. She has made a significant difference in the lives of her students.”

The awards shine a spotlight on those who continue to make a difference in the field of education.

Culminating in a glitzy black-tie dinner, the awards seek to reward those members of the teaching and education sector for their hard work both in the classroom and behind the scenes.

The awards are organised by Newsquest - publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser and Kidderminster Shuttle.

This prestigious scheme recognises the achievements, passion and dedication of those involved in all kinds of education – from nurseries to primary and secondary schools as well as colleges and training schemes.

It only takes a few minutes to make a nomination - just visit https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/worcestershireeducationawards/.

The closing date for nominations is February 11, 2024.

If you would like to sponsor the awards please contact sales event manager Debra Orr on 07739 820690 or email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk.