British Showjumping coach Michael Butcher of Pembrokeshire College, picked up a top honour at the Pearson Teaching Awards Ceremony recently.
Michael was one of just 10 teachers from across the UK to win a prestigious gold Plato Award in front of an audience of hundreds at the Guildhall in London.
After being nominated by pupils, parents and colleagues from the Pembrokeshire College and as one of over 4000 applicants, Michael was awarded the Silver Pearson Teaching Award at the House of Commons earlier this year, from this he went forward to the final as one of six shortlisted Lecturers.
Michael performs with students in the Equine sector, lecturing to a variety of learners from students with Physical or Learning Disabilities to students working to achieve BHS qualifications.
“To have been recognised for the work I love doing fills me with pride, each day I’m lucky to be in a position to help inspire, engage and fulfil each learner’s ambitions” says Michael.
Michael has worked in the FE sector for over 21 years, and as a British Showjumping Level 3 UKCC Coach and the lead coach for Dyfed Area 36 and BHS registered Instructor.
His spare time is spent coaching riders at all levels, sharing his academic and equine experience to its maximum potential, to benefit all riders and equines.
A spokesperson from The Pearson Teaching Awards had the following to say about Michael “Words are insufficient to describe the effect that Mike’s teaching has on his students; effects which are truly life-enhancing, not only for the students but also for their families.
The rapport that he builds with his learners is based on trust, compassion and total acceptance. Through a truly unique approach to teaching Mike is able to connect with learners with a varied range of physical and learning disabilities. Through building learner’s trust he allows them to achieve a level of riding ability, skills and knowledge and to achieve industry recognised qualifications that many of the learners and their families would have believed to be beyond their grasp.
Throughout his teaching career Mike’s commitment to both his learners and his profession has been unparalleled”
