A North Anston man has been named as the 2018 PK Education South Yorkshire Supply Teacher of the Year.
Steven McArdle was nominated for the award by fellow teachers, schools he has worked in and consultants at PK Education. He was one of four supply teachers shortlisted for the coveted award in South Yorkshire.
The annual awards are organised by Sheffield-based education recruitment specialist PK Education and are designed to recognise and reward the vital role supply teachers play in UK schools every day.
He scooped 55% of the South Yorkshire votes and commented: “I was really happy to win the award. It has rounded off an excellent experience as a supply teacher.”
Steven became a supply teacher in April earlier this year following a nine month break from education during which time he worked as a leisure centre manager. He explained: “I’d been teaching in permanent roles since I left university 12 years ago, however the demands of teaching combined with having a young family left me feeling I needed a break.”
As part of one of his supply roles, Steven worked at Acres Hill Community Primary School, where he is now set to take up a permanent, full-time role at the school in September. He commented: “I used supply teaching as a route to see if I wanted to go back into teaching and as part of that journey I was introduced to Acres Hill. It is a great school. The staff are lovely and the pupils are cracking; I can’t wait to start.”
Now in their fourth year, the annual PK Supply Teacher of the Year Awards recognise teachers from across six regions – the North East, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands and the North West.
Lee Carpenter, Director of PK Education, commented: “Dedicated supply teachers, such as Steven, are playing an increasing role in education as demand for supply is increasing.
“Although supply teaching offers many rewards it is not without its challenges. Often, supply teachers are walking into an unfamiliar school with students they’ve never met with little to no prep time. Yet they take it all in their stride, and teach with passion and professionalism to ensure every child can continue their education, regardless of what situation schools find themselves in.
“These awards are a small way of publicly recognising the UK’s many supply teachers for all their hard work and effort.”
For advice, support and roles in supply teaching, contact PK Education’s South Yorkshire, office, which is based in Sheffield, on 0114 272 2212.
