Winners may be young and newly qualified, or mature career-switchers like 2007 national winner Nick Wergan who gave up his job as an investment banker in the City to become an English teacher.
Nick joined the Fast Track programme and won the 2007 Outstanding New Teacher of the Year as head of department at Sackville school in West Sussex, a comprehensive with specialist status in engineering.
Welcoming the award's new sponsor, TA's chief executive Caroline Evans said: ‘We are delighted to be associated with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. I am sure all our 2008 outstanding new teachers and their schools will benefit from the networks, training and support that SSAT gives to specialist secondary schools.
‘Nominees for this category are always of a very high calibre with a real passion for learning and a flair for teaching that leads the way for other professionals.'
Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said:
"Outstanding teachers change lives. Their commitment to widening the horizons of young people and giving them the opportunity to achieve their full potential is truly amazing. They also have the responsibility of sharing their knowledge and skills, so that every student has an outstanding teacher. The SSAT works with many teachers worthy of this award, which is why I know the judges are going to have a challenging time deciding an overall winner."
Nominations for the Teaching Awards 2009 are now open. If you know a teacher who deserves to be recognised and rewarded through the SSAT Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year go to www.teachingawards.com and make a nomination. It's a great way of saying ‘thank you'.
