Teach Portsmouth celebrates achievements of school and college staff
To celebrate the immense efforts of teachers, support staff and head teachers in schools and colleges across the city, Teach Portsmouth has launched a new initiative to recognise their achievements.
From 7 - 18 June, schools, colleges and organisations are encouraged to recognise their staff by sharing a photo or video on their social media pages using the hash tag #TeachPortsmouthCelebrates.
Over the last 18 months, the pandemic has shone a light on staff who work in education including teachers, learning support assistants, receptionists, cleaners and more in supporting the city's families, children and young people.
These individuals have taken on more responsibility over and above their normal jobs. This includes the delivery of food parcels to vulnerable families, mass testing of pupils and introducing new technology for at home learning. In many instances, these changes have taken place quickly with staff going beyond what is normally required to support their community.
Our latest initiative supports schools, colleges and organisations in celebrating their workforce by sharing a special message with parents and carers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council championed the campaign:
"We're celebrating the amazing work that has gone on by school and college staff in the city. Teach Portsmouth is asking head teachers to pause and consider how they can recognise their staff.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
"Teachers have played an important role in supporting children and young people in the city during the pandemic. Despite many pupils learning from home, schools never closed, supporting keyworker children in the classroom over the last 18 months."
Head teachers are being asked to think creatively about how they will celebrate their staff, showcasing their efforts to the school community online. This could include recording a video message that says thanks or school children creating window murals to recognise their teaching heroes.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director of children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"We appreciate how hard everyone has worked this year. Teach Portsmouth's latest campaign gives everyone the chance to recognise their staff before the main awards ceremony on Thursday 8 July.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director of children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council
"It's impossible to showcase everyone's talents in The Teach Portsmouth Awards – so we felt it was important for individuals and teams to share their successes with parents and carers online."
Organisations across the city are getting involved, sharing inspirational stories and messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Southsea Infant School has been sharing special messages of thanks, recognising their staff who have gone above and beyond during the last 18 months. Nigel Man, site manager at the school, said:
"I'd like to say a big thank you to Southsea Infant School for recognising our work during the pandemic.
Nigel Man, site manager at Southsea Infant School
"Me and my son, Sevon have been busy keeping the site clean to ensure the school is COVID secure. It has been hard work at times but with the help of all the staff we've got through it. It's great to know we are being noticed and celebrated."
Let the celebrations continue...
Those who are recognised for their achievements on social media have the opportunity to feature in a special film which will be shown during the virtual awards ceremony.
To learn more about Teach Portsmouth celebrates and how schools and colleges have been getting involved. Visit the Teach Portsmouth Awards Live section of the site to see the inspirational stories being shared.
Callum Murphy 