Chelmsford College Coach Wins Pride of Essex Award!
Chelmsford College is always proud to champion its staff and acknowledge their hard work. When one of the College’s Teaching, Learning and Skills Coaches, Deviee Bouri-Clark, won the Judge’s Choice at the Pride of Essex Awards on the 14th October, they did just that! The Pride of Essex Awards were founded to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those in the face of adversity.
Deviee is a brilliant example of the determination and resilience that many educators hold. Her story is so inspiring that she was nominated against the Unsung Hero category for a variety of reasons. As a deaf lecturer working closing with Chelmsford College learners who have additional needs, Deviee understands firsthand the challenges that young people with disabilities face. Having learned to speak English at the age of 16 with her first language being British Sign Language (BSL), it is remarkable that her career now sees her as a specialist in communication. Deviee’s role is broad and extends beyond the classroom as she also plays a pivotal role in the College’s LGBTQ+ lead for EDI committee, ensuring that all learners, regardless of background, have a safe and supportive space. As a South Asian lesbian woman, Deviee is a role model for LGBTQ+ learners and even organised the College’s attendance at Essex Pride 2025. It was Deviee’s wife who nominated her but both her wife and Chelmsford College believe her commitment to others, both inside and outside the classroom, makes her an unsung hero in every sense of the word.
The Pride of Essex thought one further however, and after collating nominations they decided to instead award Deviee with the Judge’s Choice, which is something they’d never done prior! Attending the prestigious event with Deviee was Chelmsford College colleagues including Debbie Garroway, Deputy Principal – Curriculum and Quality, Clare Coleman, Head of Teaching – Learning and Quality along with Lucy Shelbourne who is Deviee’s BSL interpreter. Held at Anglia Ruskin University, the presentation evening consisted of presentations, entertainment from The Big Sing Choir followed by a buffet and drinks for all to enjoy.
Having been originally nominated for the Unsung Hero Award, Deviee and co were surprised when her name wasn’t read aloud for this category. It wasn’t until the very last award when it was revealed that the judges were so impressed with Deviee, they decided the Judge’s Choice was apt for her instead, which made the event even more memorable for the Chelmsford College team.
Other notable achievements of Deviee’s that highlight why she rightfully earned this award include her innovative techniques she’s brought to education. Helping transform communication for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Deviee introduced Proloquo2Go, a communication app that helps non-verbal individuals express themselves. Her dedication led to a breakthrough moment when a student, who had never spoken or used a communication device before, independently greeted others and formed a full sentence for the first time.
Deviee was overjoyed yet humbly surprised to win this award and on behalf of all of Chelmsford College, the team would like to congratulate her and thank her for dedication to helping better education and communication for learners.