Inspirational teachers and leaders in science education are sought by the county’s prestigious teaching awards.

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards will honour the best school staff, from talented volunteers to outstanding educators, at a glittering ceremony in May 2017. Now open for nominations, this year’s annual awards have been established in partnership with the University of Kent.

Director of EMS, at UKC, Mary Hughes has encouraged the public to make their nominations before the March 1 deadline, adding: “The value of good teaching can never be underestimated, their commitment to their profession, their inspiration to young people who want to better themselves with education is something that always needs to be rewarded “

As headline sponsor for 2017 The University of Kent are championing all of the nomination categories in addition to Dr Vicky Mason, from the school of Physical Sciences presenting an award for Best Science Teacher. Furthermore, the winning science teacher will be rewarded with a trip to the University with a group of their students for a tour of facilities and practical sessions in the labs.

Dr Mason said: “Physics, chemistry and forensic science are really dynamic subjects, they are constantly changing, constantly updating. We really need people to nominate their good teachers and support staff because they are key people in giving us the next generation of scientists. So please nominate if you know someone who is doing a good job. “

More than 50 staff and schools will be celebrated at the event with diverse categories ensuring that anyone making a difference at a school can be nominated.

A KM Group-led collaboration of organisations has been staging these awards for more than a decade and this year the event has attracted a record number of supporters. Organisations joining the judging panel include Kent County Council, Christ Church University, CXK, Kent Sport, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Kreston Reeves, LoopCR, Trust Careers at Medway Youth Trust, Hornby, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Kent Libraries, the Mercure Great Danes Maidstone, Beanstalk.

For more information or to nominate, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.