A lecturer described as the “Beyonce of North Kent College’, has picked up a top accolade at a prestigious award ceremony.
Marcia White (pictured above) was one of four North Kent College staff members to be named as a winner in the Kent Teacher of the Year awards, which took place on Friday (17 May).
She was named as the Tonbridge and Malling College Lecturer of the Year and then took home the coveted Kent College Lecturer of the Year title.
Marcia was joined by Sarah Biggs, Joanne Groombridge and Jo Saunders on the honour’s list. Sarah was named as the Dartford District SEN Support Staff Member of the Year, with Joanne picking up the Dartford District College Award for Raising Aspirations and Jo the Tonbridge and Malling College Award for Raising Aspirations.
In the speech announcing her as the Kent College Lecturer of the Year, Marcia’s engaging and interactive teaching style was emphasised, and it was revealed she was described by students as the “Beyonce of North Kent College!”.
Other feedback from students that was highlighted was, ‘This lecturer is one of the main reasons many students can get through the day,’ with Marcia also being called ‘a role model’ and ‘A reminder that if things are dreadful, they can get better, and that you can do whatever you put your mind to’. She was especially praised as being not just a lecturer, but ‘a personal cheerleader for their students’.
Above (clockwise from top left): Marcia White, Sarah Biggs, Joanne Groombridge and Jo Saunders with their awards.
Rhiannon Hughes, Deputy Executive Principal for Teaching, Learning and Improvement, says: “We were delighted that 70 staff members across the College were recognised with nominations. It is testament to the overall high quality of the student experience that we had so many nominations, and I was delighted that four of our staff went through as regional winners. It was an absolute honour to attend the awards ceremony with our impressive staff. The four award winners are deserving recipients of their accolades, and we are so impressed with the level of commitment and dedication they show to ensure all the students within their remit, thrive as North Kent College students. I am proud to have them within our College – huge congratulations to them all.”
The Kent Teacher of the Year awards recognise the hard work and dedication of everyone who contributes to a school or college, from teachers to support staff, with nominations open to parents, students and staff.
The event covers a wide range of categories, including primary, secondary, early careers, non-teaching members of staff, and volunteers.
To find out more visit the Kent Teacher of the Year awards page on the Social Enterprise Kent website.