Belfast Met Tutor, Angela Derby, recognised for her achievements in deaf communication has come out on top in a regional heat of the Signature Annual Awards scheme and now progresses to the final in London.

Signature, the charity that champions excellence in communication with deaf people, announced the shortlists for its Learner of the Year and Teacher of the Year regional categories as part of the Signature Annual Awards scheme. The quality of entries to these regional categories impressed judges who were tasked with drawing up the shortlist from the overwhelming number of nominations received.

BMC students Houstan Marshall and Patrick Fox-Roberts were also nominated for Learner of the year. They were nominated to acknowledge and reward their significant contribution toward achieving a society in which deaf and deafblind people have full access. The shortlist for the Learner of the Year category had exceptional entries from across the country and from a variety of fields including teaching, nursing and policing. Meanwhile Teacher of the Year attracted record nominations for strong candidates who have inspired colleagues and students alike with their commitment such as Belfast Met candidate Angela Derby.

Angela is responsible for the recruitment, mentoring and continuing professional development of the Sign Language teaching team in Belfast Met, particularly supporting new tutors in developing their skills in lesson planning and resource preparation. Angela is the only Deaf course coordinator within Belfast Metropolitan College, and the only one within Northern Ireland, a role model for other Deaf people who are seeking to develop careers within the FE sector as Sign Language Tutors. Angela herself commented “I see no barriers just challenges”
 
Joe Higgins, Centre Manager, Belfast Met commented,
“Angela inspires confidence in learners, she is patient with those needing more support and guidance, and uses a variety of materials and methods to maintain her student’s interest and motivation.

He continued to say:
“Her subject knowledge is evident in her teaching, and this encourages confidence in her learners. This inspirational approach translates into high levels of progression from level 1 to 2 and level 2 to 3.”

The regional winners were announced on 2nd June and it was decided that Angela Derby will progress to the national awards night which takes place in London on November 12.

Signature Chief Executive, Jim Edwards, said: “We’ve been thrilled by the variety of individuals and Organisations engaging with the awards scheme and it’s fantastic that we are able to provide some recognition for all their hard work.

He continued to say,
“Angela has shown commitment over and above the norm and this is reflected through her passion for teaching and an outstanding contribution within her local Deaf community.”

Signature operates throughout the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands in more that 700 locations, those wishing to learn sign language can find out where to do so in their local area by going to http://signature.org.uk/learners and selecting ‘Find a Centre’.