Tutors shine at teaching and learning awards

Awards winners Emma Mellor, Emma Smith and Nicola Rothwell with colleague Casey Page

Nicola Rothwell, Emma Mellor and Emma Smith, from Rathbone, a youth support charity in Rochdale, have been recognised at an awards event celebrating teaching and learning excellence within one of the largest education, training and employability organisations in the UK.

The three tutors were nominated in Newcastle College Group’s (NCG) first Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards.

Nicola, who has been part of the team at Rathbone in Rochdale for over a year, won the ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ award from each division of NCG.

“I’m extremely grateful to have been recognised for the work I do and to highlight the great work being done by all of the staff at Rathbone in Rochdale,” said Nicola.

Emma Mellor, who is a Functional Skills English tutor and also one of two centre managers at Rathbone Rochdale, was also shortlisted in the same category.

Emma Smith, who has supported young people at Rathbone Rochdale for the last three years, was shortlisted in the ‘Best Functional Skills teacher/tutor’ category.

Vicky Sinfield, Centre Manager at Rathbone Rochdale, said: “The success of all three of our tutors in NCG’s awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown to helping the young people at Rathbone Rochdale succeed. Everyone at the centre is so proud of them.” 

Rathbone is one of six divisions within NCG which also includes Newcastle College, Intraining, West Lancashire College, Newcastle Sixth Form College and Kidderminster College.

There were over 120 nominations from across all of the divisions with recommendations and support from learners, employers and colleagues.