Recognising exceptional alumni in our community
A proud Cumbrian, Kerryann had such a positive experience from her own education in Whitehaven that she was inspired to become a teacher. Kerryann completed a PGCE in 2011 from the University of Cumbria followed by a Masters in Education. Her education continued as she studied for leadership qualifications. Kerryann's career has progressed rapidly from NQT to Head of Department and most recently Vice Principal at the Energy Coast University Technical College. Kerryann's inspirational teaching has gained her a Golden Apple Award, a shortlisting for a Global Times Educational Supplement Award and the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award for ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School'.
Multi award winning inspirational teacher who changes lives
Kerryann was born in West Cumbria to parents, Lorraine and Peter. From a young age she was passionate about education. Her positive school experiences as a student in Whitehaven inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.
Kerryann is an English specialist and graduated in 2013 with a Masters in Education and a PGCE in English with Media and Drama studies in 2011 from the University of Cumbria. Prior to this she studied English Language and Literature at undergraduate level at Lancaster University. In 2018 she completed her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership at University of Cumbria after completing her National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership. Most recently she has commenced studying for the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Kerryann has taught in West Cumbria for the past 11 years and throughout her career has progressed from teacher of English to Head of Department, then through the ranks to Director of Learning for English and Maths and most recently as Vice Principal. She is currently Vice Principal at the Energy Coast University Technical College and holds responsibility for the quality of education, teaching, learning and assessment, curriculum, staff continuing professional development and early career teacher support. Kerryann is passionate about educating young people within her local area ensuring that they believe in themselves to achieve their full potential and beyond. She is proud to be Cumbrian and is filled with the same sense of pride when her students achieve what they never initially thought possible.
In October 2018, her contributions to education were recognised when she received the Golden Apple Award for ‘Teacher of the Year’ sponsored by the University of Cumbria. In 2020 Kerryann was shortlisted in the global Times Educational Supplement awards for ‘English Teacher of the Year’ and in 2021 was the winner of the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award for ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ as nominated by her colleagues and students.
It is clear through her beliefs, values and ethos that Kerryann strives to ‘give back’ in order to develop the potential of the young people in the community and does so through her determination to value every individual. Although a teacher of English, Kerryann sees herself as a teacher of young people and her colleagues see her as someone who inspires a love of learning in English that runs over into their other subjects and underpins their belief that they can succeed.
The final words should go to Cherry Tingle, Principal of the Energy Coast UTC who praises Kerryann as simply the best teacher she has ever had the great fortune to work with. She is inspirational to both students and staff alike. The Energy Coast University Technical College – and West Cumbria, would be a worse place without her amazing teaching. She changes lives.
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