Chelmsford College Staff Member Wins Teacher of the Year Award!
Chelmsford College is incredibly proud to announce that Claire Wood, their Head of Teaching and Learning Development, has won the Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School or Post 16 Award.
After being nominated for the Essex Teaching Awards, Claire had the amazing opportunity to attend the awards ceremony on the 18th June held at Hylands House, which is where she received the fantastic news!
Sponsored by the University of Essex, Daisy Education, MITIE and Able Canopies, the 2026 Essex Teaching Awards helped shine a spotlight on the inspirational work of early years and childcare practitioners, teachers and school staff across the county. The event did a great job at bringing together educators from across Essex to celebrate excellence, dedication and the impact teachers make every single day.
Speaking on her success, Claire said "I'm really flattered to have won the Teacher of the Year award, what makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it comes at the end of what has undoubtedly been the most challenging year of my teaching career. Our learners are changing, qualifications are changing and the FE sector continues to evolve through constant reform, reflection and adaptation.
These challenges have reinforced something I’ve always believed: great teaching is not about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, share expertise, support colleagues and keep striving to improve for the benefit of our learners."
Chelmsford College echoes Claire’s words and thanks her for her ongoing commitment to the learners and to her role. Her expertise and passion make a real difference every day. Well done Claire, this is well deserved!