As part of our Teach Portsmouth Awards Live campaign, we're introducing readers to our fantastic sponsors who have made this year's event possible. Our first sponsor, the National Education Union (NEU), tell us what the awards mean to them as sponsor of the long service award.

The Teach Portsmouth Awards recognises the achievements of education professionals in schools, colleges and organisations across the waterfront city. This year we'll be celebrating Portsmouth's star teachers, support teams and leaders at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 8 July.

This week we caught up with Bernadette Castellano, Membership Secretary of the Portsmouth District and Branch of the National Education Union (NEU).

Could you tell us what you do and what connection to education you have?

I am the Membership Secretary of the Portsmouth District and Branch of the National Education Union. I am a retired teacher having taught, primarily in Portsmouth, for almost forty years.

What do the Teach Portsmouth Awards mean to you/organisation?

The Teach Portsmouth Awards are important to the NEU as we fully understand the crucial role undertaken by those working within schools and colleges. The NEU wants to acknowledge this role and give a big thank you to all education staff.

We are participating in the awards as a means of showing our appreciation to those involved in the education of young people in Portsmouth.

What are you looking forward to from the awards ceremony? 

I am looking forward to seeing those nominated, recognised for the work they do, above and beyond their usual commitments.

I am also looking forward to seeing former colleagues. I have worked in five Portsmouth schools and have attended two previous awards where it was great to spend time with friends and catch up on their news. The ceremony may be very different this year and chatting to friends not as easy digitally, but we will be able to see each other and give a wave to all.

What special message do you have for Portsmouth's teachers, support teams and leaders? 

During these difficult times the National Education Union is working to help ensure the health and safety of all working in education, their families and our schools as they continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Education Union stands up for the future of education by bringing together more than 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff and leaders working in maintained, independent schools and colleges across the UK. We want to work together to shape the future of education for the benefit of teachers, support staff, leaders, and pupils. The NEU is committed to making the education sector a great place to work and learn and we want to work with you to achieve this.