Learning support tutor wins IfL STAR Award

Toni Fazaeli, IfL CEO; Sue Crowley, IfL Chair; with Jean at the STAR AwardsJean Bartley is the winner of the 2008 STAR award in the Teaching, Training and Learning Practitioner category, sponsored by the Institute for Learning (IfL). A tutor at Herefordshire College of Technology, where she teaches a learning support course, Jean had spent 30 years teaching young children before moving into further education five years ago. Her contributions to FE and her dedication to her students impressed the panel of independent experts who selected her as an overall winner in her

"I am truly thrilled to have won this award," said Jean: "and attending the awards event in London was a magical night that will stay with me for a very long time. I had previously specialised in supporting young learners with special educational needs, and when I joined the college was worried that working with adult learners might not give me the same level of inspiration and passion for my teaching. Teaching these students has proved, however, to be an incredible experience, giving me the chance to inspire and motivate others to deliver the highest level of support to their learners.

"I will never forget what one of my first group of students said to me in those early days: 'I know you miss the day-to-day contact with your class of children, but by teaching us you are helping to make a difference to hundreds of childrens lives.' This award is as much for all of my adult students, past and present, who have honoured me by allowing me to accompany them on their own incredible learning journeys. They are the true stars: their outstanding commitment to their studies and to their roles in supporting learners make it a privilege and an amazing experience to teach them. I am also honoured by, and grateful for, the approbation of my colleagues at the college and in the wider world of continuing education. Their support and encouragement has enabled me to continue developing personally and professionally."

Ian Peake, the principal at Herefordshire College of Technology, said: "We were not at all surprised that Jean won this prestigious award. She is a fantastic teacher and very modest too a credit to the college. Jean invests a tremendous amount of her life in teaching and supporting her students, and I am delighted that she has received national recognition for her achievements."

IfL's chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said: "Jean is clearly passionate about teaching and learning and the key role that learning support staff play. She works closely with higher education to ensure that learning support workers get the best learning and qualifications to equip them for their vital role, and told me that she was stunned by the amazing difference that FE teachers make to peoples lives and prospects.

"I was also pleased to hear that Jean values our online personal space, REfLECT, for tracking, planning and reviewing her own professional development. As the professional body for FE and skills teachers, we welcome membership from learning support tutors and workers, and hope that Jean's story will encourage them to join IfL."
About the LSIS STAR Awards

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS - formerly QIA) holds the annual STAR Awards to recognise and reward individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the quality of learning that millions of people across England receive every day.