Honour for Sandwell education advisor

Pat Onions received the award in recognition of her significant contribution to the education profession in the region, and her role in the education of young people.

Pat, who is the Adviser for Teacher Development at Sandwell Local Authority, was awarded the fellowship honour at a ceremony held at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Saturday, 4 September, 2010.

Pat said: “I was both surprised and delighted to be recognised by the University for my work in supporting new teachers as they begin their teaching career. I thoroughly enjoy my work in Sandwell Local Authority and I have benefitted professionally from working in partnership with the University over many years.”

Pat’s career began in 1974 in Sandwell Local Authority as a teacher. She worked in three schools before moving on to an advisory post within the local authority in 1988 alongside her studies to gain an MA in Education and an Advanced Diploma in Educational Management.

She has held key advisory roles including Curriculum Adviser for Design and Technology, Primary School Improvement Adviser and she is currently the Adviser for Teacher Development.

Pat leads on the statutory induction of Newly Qualified Teachers, Early Professional Development and is responsible for the strategic management of the Advanced Skills Teachers team. With the help of her leadership, the quality of the NQT and AST provision in Sandwell has gained national recognition through the Leading Aspect Award Scheme.

Over the course of her career, Pat has collaborated with the Training and Development Agency (TDA), West Midland Initial Teacher Training (ITT) providers and has led and contributed to several successful TDA ITT partnerships to develop initiatives, including a number of projects with the University of Wolverhampton.

She is committed to partnership working and the benefits of making the transition from initial teacher training to the first teaching post a high quality experience.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736