Tina Parmar from Sutton Coldfield has been named as the 2018 PK Education West Midlands Supply Teacher of the Year.

Tina was nominated for the award by fellow teachers, schools she has worked in and consultants at PK Education. She was one of three supply teachers shortlisted for the coveted award in the West Midlands and won the overall title after a landslide online vote which saw her receive 67% of the votes for the West Midlands area.

The annual awards are organised by education recruitment specialist PK Education and are designed to recognise and reward the vital role supply teachers play in UK schools every day.

A delighted Tina commented: “When I found out I’d won I was delighted, I think the awards are a great idea and really make supply teachers like myself feel appreciated.”

Tina became a supply teacher three years ago after previously working with St Basils, the young people’s homeless charity in the West Midlands. She explained: “I found that I really enjoyed working with young people and teaching, so I looked into getting my PGCE. I have been teaching supply since and really enjoy the variety of roles and pupils I meet.”

Now in their fourth year, the annual PK Supply Teacher of the Year Awards recognise teachers from across six regions – the North East, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Midland, West Midlands and the North West.

Lee Carpenter, Director of PK Education, commented: “Dedicated supply teachers, such as Tina, are playing an increasing role in education as demand for supply is increasing.

“Although supply teaching offers many rewards it is not without its challenges. Often, supply teachers are walking into an unfamiliar school with students they’ve never met with little to no prep time. Yet they take it all in their stride, and teach with passion and professionalism to ensure every child can continue their education, regardless of what situation schools find themselves in.

“These awards are a small way of publicly recognising the UK’s many supply teachers for all their hard work and effort.”

For advice, support and roles in supply teaching, contact PK Education’s West Midlands office on 0121 631 3466.