Bradford College

Outstanding New Teacher of the Year

 
Bradford College is proud to announce that former PGCE student teacher, Edward Vickerman has been awarded the ‘Outstanding New Teacher of the Year’ accolade for the North of England.

Edward felt Bradford College was the right teacher trainer institution for him, particularly when support for his dyslexia was discussed. Bradford College tutors Joanne Courtney and Jill Powell recognised his potential and accepted Edward on the PGCE course at Bradford College.  Edward has gone from strength to strength.  He has been described by colleagues at Freeston Business & Enterprise College, where he now works as: “One of the most talented, exciting and enthusiastic teachers they have ever had - with skills beyond their expectations!”

Since joining Freeston Business & Enterprise College in 2008, Edward has quickly risen through the ranks to become the Director of Business and Enterprise!

When asked if Tutor, Joanne Courtney considered Edward’s dyslexia as a problem to hinder his progress as a teacher, Joanne replied: “He was very clear that he was dyslexic, when we interviewed him for a place on the course.  We had a really open discussion about it and he was very honest. We asked if he felt he’d be able to cope with the academic rigour of the course.  He responded by saying he had strategies in place and he was very confident that he would be able to meet the challenges.  Having dyslexia wasn’t a problem for him – so it wasn’t a problem for us either.” Joanne continued:  “At interview his whole demeanour was brilliant – he was so enthusiastic and passionate.  That’s something we always look for – the passion for teaching!” Edward studied at Bradford  from 2006 to 2007 and valued his time with the College.  Edward said: “The word ‘outstanding’ is bandied around a lot – but Joanne and Jill are outstanding. I couldn’t have become a teacher without their help.  They believed in me and were prepared to invest time in me.  Joanne helped me with one to one English classes… she was prepared to go the extra mile.”

Edward continued:  “I would recommend Bradford College to anyone who wants to get a first class introduction into teaching.”

Edward consistently over-performs and delivers outstanding lessons which inspire even the least able students, creating a climate in the classroom of ‘enquiry and challenge’. Edward does not write on the board.  He explains why to his pupils at Freeston Business & Enterprise College, although he doesn’t make an issue of it. Instead he uses his I.T skills and makes use of the whiteboard.

Commenting on being nominated for the award, Edward modestly remarked:  “No one becomes good on their own – this award reflects the hard work, commitment and dedication from all the staff, students and wider community at Freeston Business & Enterprise College.  The award is a representation of how far the school has come from a being classed as inadequate – to a school that has become a mentor for other schools.”

Part of Joanne and Jill’s remit as teacher trainers involves going out to observe trainee teachers in the classroom.  Commenting on Edward’s approach to teaching whilst on the PGCE course, Joanne said:  “When I went out to see him, the reaction he got was great! He was at a couple of quite challenging schools, working with GCSE students who were known as challenging and he had them eating out of his hand. He has very good rapport with his pupils.  I think a lot of that stems from his own experience of school.”  Edward was sidelined at school because of his dyslexia.  He was not expected to become a high achiever, even though he had dreams of becoming a teacher. This experience has made Edward even more determined to ensure that all pupils, regardless of ability have the opportunity to excel. 

Joanne continued:  “I think that’s why he’s so passionate about teaching and why he has a natural affinity with learners, who perhaps aren’t considered the ‘norm’.  The way in which he taught was very much student centred.  He focused on how they would think and feel, making everything applicable to them.”

When asked how it felt to have trained Edward to become the outstanding teacher we know today.  Both Jill and Joanne replied in unison: “Proud!”  Joanne continued:  “He really deserves it and we’re delighted for him.”

Jill added:  “Right from the outset he was completely determined to become an outstanding teacher – and he’s achieved just that!”