Wigan teacher wins top award
A Wigan teacher has won a top award for her inspirational work with deaf people.
Melanie Potts, who works at centres across the North West, including Wigan and Leigh College, has scooped the award for her commitment to teaching sign language.
The 36-year-old was nominated by a number of her pupils for the North West's Teacher of the Year 2009 award and is now through to the national final in London.
Melanie said: "I'm so excited about going to London in November. I was shocked when I found out I'd won the regional heat and I'm really pleased about getting the award.
"I knew some of my pupils had nominated me, but I didn't realise how many of them had put my name forward."
Melanie, of Beaumaris Close in Leigh, runs Tutors Direct, which is a team of tutors who provide British Sign Language courses across the North West.
One of Melanie's students, Samantha Green, said: "Melanie is both supportive and amusing, and an inspiration to learners with her down-to-earth approach."
A spokesman for Signature, which is an organisation that promotes excellence in deaf communications, said: "Melanie is an outstanding sign language teacher and is passionate about what she teaches.
"Her commitment to teaching has helped Signature move further toward its vision of a society in which deaf people have full access."
Melanie has also been commended for setting up a deaf club open to both deaf and hearing people, as well as arranging a visit from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
The club runs most Tuesday evenings from 8pm at Fishergate Pub on Orrell Road.
"Unlike many deaf clubs we invite both deaf and hearing people who are learning to sign and everybody helps one another out," said the talented teacher.
The national awards ceremony will be held on November 12 at the Private Rooms of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Buckingham Gate.
Melanie will be up against 11 other candidates from across the UK to be crowned Signature's inaugural Teacher of the Year.
Signature chief executive, Jim Edwards, said: "With her down-to-earth approach, Melanie shows passion and commitment in her teaching of British Sign Language.
"She has even started a sign language club to bring hearing and deaf people closer together and improve understanding of deaf culture."
"We've been thrilled by the variety of individuals and organisations engaging with the awards scheme and it's fantastic that we are able to provide some recognition for all their hard work.
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Thursday 02 September 2010
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