Double national win all stems from top class Teesside teacher

A teacher at Middlesbrough College has scooped two national awards for excellence in teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths. 

A Level biology teacher and Head of Science Dr Richard Spencer – or “Doc” as students call him – received the ENTHUSE Award for Excellence in STEM Teaching from STEM Learning. 

And Richard also picked up the Royal Society of Biology’s Secondary School Biology Teacher or the Year 2018 award at the recent Education Awards Ceremony.

The titles are in recognition of Richard’s well-known commitment to inspiring pupils about biosciences through innovative teaching methods and involving students in extra-curricular projects. 

Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive Zoe Lewis said: “It’s great to hear about the continued success of Richard.

“Middlesbrough College has a STEM specialism and Richard is an inspiration to staff and students. We are thrilled to hear he has won such prestigious awards.”

Supported by ENTHUSE - a partnership of Government, learned bodies, charitable trusts and employers – STEM Learning invests in teachers to encourage more people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics related careers.

It is part of its vision to achieve a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK.

STEM Learning’s Chief Executive Yvonne Baker, said: “Many congratulations from everyone at STEM Learning for winning this award.
 
“By committing to teachers continuing professional development, schools are providing the best STEM education in the UK – passing on their enthusiasm and expertise to encourage young people to develop specialisms in these vitally important subjects.”

Dr Mark Winterbottom FRSB, chair of the judging panel for the Royal Society of Biology’s Secondary School Biology Teacher of the Year 2018 award, said: “Richard is a teacher admired by students and staff alike.

“He has very strong professional knowledge in biology teaching and learning, and enables students to think through ideas themselves, building their understanding autonomously, and reinforcing their confidence alongside.

“His work both nationally and internationally outside the classroom is prolific, and already identifies him as a 'champion' for teaching and learning of biology, and science more generally. He clearly has a strong sense of vocation as a teacher of biology, and is a very worthy winner indeed.”