Computing Course Manager Daniel Hulatt has won bronze in the national BTEC Teacher of the Year Award.
Against fierce competition across the country, Bedford College’s Daniel joins the medal podium online on July 7, when a presentation ceremony will be held.
Said the Pearson/BTEC organisers: “Congratulations to your nominee and thank you for taking the time to nominate your incredible BTEC candidate.”
They added that: “they had been overwhelmed by the high quality and extraordinary stories of nominees”.
Paula Hobday Head of Computing at Bedford College said: “Daniel started in the department in 2017 at a student teacher.
On completion of his PGCE he became a full-time teacher and in July 2021 took on the Course Manage role with the responsibility of running BTEC courses from Level 1 to Level 3. He has taught on all levels up to and including Level 6 degree.”
“Daniel is an exceptional teacher because of his personality and motivation to do what is best for our students. Students find him very approachable and enjoy his lessons. He is very hardworking and feedback from students is always extremely positive.”
“During lockdown he sourced software that enabled students to continue with practicals from home. He organises trips, and external speakers to enhance the student experience.
“Daniel is our EDI Ambassador; a voluntary role, the purpose of which is to promote diversity and inclusion in the department. He has carried out this role so thoroughly and effectively that he now mentors other EDI Ambassadors within the College.
“Daniel works collaboratively with staff inside and out of the department. For example, he worked with our Teacher Education Department to deliver technology workshops, such as smartboard training for teachers.
“He works with our Work Placement co-ordinator to organise our yearly employer event and this year, due to lockdown, came up with the idea of asking employers to carry out mock interviews with students instead of running a physical event to enhance their employability prospects.
“Daniel teaches a range of units on the BTEC courses, but his specialism is Security.
“This year he completed a Masters in Cyber Security to further his knowledge for the benefit of his students. He ensures his lessons are as interactive and fun as possible, makes excellent use of technology to enhance teaching and learning, and uses humour in class to focus and engage students.
“Students find him very approachable and supportive. Daniel has dyslexia and rather than trying to hide this he acknowledges to students that his spelling is weak and encourages them to help him develop strategies to work with this.”
