Top teacher Debbie Godwin has won prestigious Government plaudits for her tireless efforts to help the young people in her care develop links with the community.

Debbie Godwin, a history and life skills teacher at Hockley's Greensward College, has been awarded Advanced Skills Teacher status by the Department for Education and Skills.

As a skills for life co-ordinator, Debbie has developed community links through special industry days for year ten pupils.

Booking her place : superteacher Debbie Godwin Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

She has also arranged courses on insight into management for members of the sixth form.

Since September 2002, she has been working closely with the Connexions Service to give guidance and support to students about careers.

Her work with Connexions has led to engagements to speak on the local and national stage about careers.

David Triggs, principal of the college in Greensward Lane, said: "Miss Godwin has made a tremendous impact on the department.

"She has had a host of new ideas and produced a high level of classroom teaching which has led her students to achieve considerable success.

"We are delighted that her talent and expertise have now been recognised with the award of Advanced Skills Teacher status."

He added: "In her new role, which is additional to her teaching role at the college, Miss Godwin will be working with Essex Careers and the Connexions Service in this part of the county to share good practice in her specialist subjects so that standards can be raised and student achievement improved.

"Our congratulations go to her on this national recognition and we are proud that she is a member of the Greensward College team."

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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