Class act: Deaf teacher scoops national gold award

A profoundly deaf teacher of English and BSL was among a dozen ‘inspirational’ educators from across England and Northern Ireland to win gold at the recent 20th Pearson Teaching Awards, which celebrate excellence in education.

Marie Watson, 40, from Derby, collected the top award for excellence in Special Needs Education at a ceremony at the Brewery Inn Hotel, London, towards the end of October. She had been shortlisted for it in July at a ‘silver’ ceremony, when she was put on a shortlist of 70, chosen from hundreds of applicants.

The Royal School for the Deaf Derby (RSDD) worker is one of its former pupils, and an employee of some 20 years’ standing. She travelled to London for the glitzy occasion with seven others, including her partner, family members and headteacher Helen Shepherd.

She told Limping Chicken: “The whole thing was surreal. To actually win came as a real surprise, especially because I had to beat so many others. But it’s been lovely and so exciting, for me as well as the school. I’m not quite sure when I’ll come back down to earth!

“My partner, John, and all my friends and family were over the moon and thrilled for me. It means so much as a recognition of my hard work over the years.”

She adds that it was ‘amazing’ to share the occasion with her fellow award winners, and with a host of celebrities. Famous names at the event included former Blue Peter star Barney Harwood, who handed Marie her award.

Presenter Anita Rani was also there, alongside Dragons’ Den staple Deborah Meaden and ex-Chancellor Ed Balls.

There were no public votes in the competition. Instead, judges visited the school in Derby and saw Marie in action. The judging panel also interviewed parents, staff and students before reaching a decision, and said they were ‘blown away’ with what they heard about Marie.

The English teacher and BSL Lead was born to deaf parents and a hearing brother, Barry, who also works at RSDD as a member of the school’s well-being team offering support to pupils.

Marie was a pupil herself at RSDD for 13 years from the age of three, before leaving to study at a local college for a couple of years, and then the University of Derby, where she achieved her PGCE.

Although she is unable to speak, she has a strong level of written English, and is able to make good shapes with her lips when signing.

Today, she teaches BSL levels 1 to 3 and English GCSE, with sign language taught to both students and staff because she is keen to improve communication within the school generally.

Her pupils are from the secondary school and aged 11 to 19, although RSDD, a residential school, also caters for early years children among its 120 pupils, who attend from across the UK. All have Statements of Special Educational Needs or an Education and Health Care Plans for hearing impairment.

Marie is described on the RSDD website as an ‘outstanding’ teacher, and a key factor behind her win was her commitment to life in school outside the classroom.

She runs an after-hours drama club, and leads the deaf choir, in which she sung as a child. At the same time, she takes literacy workshops for patents and develops ways of encouraging students to read.

Another responsibility is the filming of a weekly ‘BSL Newsround’ video which is posted on the school’s website to let parents and pupils know what’s going on and what has been achieved. There are viewers in their hundreds each week, from around the world.

“I do give up a lot of my time for the students, and am always happy to. We all love the Newsround! I think I’ve been doing it for more than two years now and we have a different BSL presenter each time.”

Thankfully it’s not all work and no play. When not at school, Marie enjoys “movies (subtitled of course!), meeting friends and reading. I also try to go to the gym.” (Don’t we all.)

She concludes: “I always like to say my message is not to give up and work hard.  Think positive and there’s always a way round any issues.”

In a statement on the website, RSDD said: “Marie is an excellent role model to deaf children and an inspiring teacher and person. Her lessons are always positive, and there is a buzz of excitement in her classroom.

“Many teachers have to manage a disability, but, at our school, pupils can have two or more needs on top of their deafness. Marie takes each new challenge in a positive and constructive way so all pupils feel valued.

“Expectations are always high. She allows others to achieve and will always give up her time to help them.”

Read more of Juliet’s articles for us here.

Juliet England does freelance social media, copywriting and PR work for cSeeker among other clients