Maghera Teacher Honored with Top National Teaching Award

A teacher from Maghera, located in County Londonderry, has expressed that receiving a special teaching award is an “honour.” Ciara Mulholland, associated with Saint Patrick’s College in Maghera, has been recognized as the Pearson National Teaching Winner of the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year 2024. Ms. Mulholland, who qualified as an educator two and a half years ago, stated she was “totally overwhelmed” by the award win. The announcement was made on Tuesday evening’s BBC The One Show, ahead of an awards ceremony scheduled for this weekend. Speaking on the program, Ms. Mulholland commented: “This is amazing. I am so, so lucky. We have the best school, the best staff, the best pupils, we have the best community. This is an absolute honour.” Ms. Mulholland was acknowledged for her efforts in encouraging young girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and maths (known as Stem subjects), alongside managing a popular after-school Science club. Selected from thousands of nominees, the award recognizes her exceptional contributions to students and the broader community. She informed the show that she was inspired by other teachers to enter the profession and to work at her former school. Grainné Hughes, who previously taught her and is now a colleague, submitted her nomination. “She is the complete package. Ciara lights up in her pupils’ presence and they certainly light up in hers,” Grainné Hughes told the BBC. One of her pupils conveyed on the show that Ms. Mulholland made science “fun” and simplified the learning process. Head teacher Katrina Crilly described her as an “outstanding” teacher. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ms. Mulholland also assists in training the senior Camogie team, which she once captained, and which reached the All-Ireland finals in 2023. She also volunteers at the local primary school’s Stem programme. She supports the school’s study skills programme, as well as operating a popular after-school Science club. Ms. Mulholland learned of her award victory during a visit from Ryan Hand of The One Show. He enlisted the assistance of her family, colleagues, camogie team, and former teammates to surprise her with the award. The broadcast also featured an unexpected performance from Ryan McMullan, one of her favorite singers. The Pearson Awards were established in 1998 to celebrate excellence in UK education and to highlight dedication to improving children’s lives through learning. Administered by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearsons, the awards provide an opportunity to spotlight the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools, and early years educators play in inspiring young people every single day. The remaining winners are set to be announced at a special ceremony in London and will also be revealed throughout the week on The One Show. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved.