Peterborough teacher recognised for empowering young people

A secondary school teacher has been recognised for empowering young people through public speaking.

Dr Jo Young has won the English Speaking Union Rutland Foundation Teacher Award in London, after setting up a debate club at Jack Hunt School in Peterborough.

The former Egyptologist, who worked in archaeology for 20 years, became an English teacher two years ago through the charity Now Teach, which supports professionals retraining in new careers.

Dr Young, 44, who was awarded Pearson's National Teaching Award last year, said she felt "honoured" to be recognised.

Now Teach said research had shown that speaking and listening skills significantly impacted children's progression in other subjects as well as their employability later in life.

A study by the British Chambers of Commerce found communication was the top entry-level skill required by employers.

The charity also works to improve inequalities in the education system like gender and the under-representation of minority groups.

Dr Young said: "I feel very honoured and know from experience that oracy is power.

"I can't really think of many jobs where you don't have to be a good communicator.

"One of our young people has already secured a part-time job after impressing employers with her ability to interact with customers during a work placement."

She said she feared she had "left it too late to retrain" when she first considered changing career, adding: "I felt very apprehensive about my suitability".

Dr Young paid tribute to the support of Now Teach.

"Their support and encouragement and expert guidance is a big part of why I now feel confident in the classroom," she said.

"I can't believe how lucky I am to be where I am now."

The English Speaking Union Rutland Teacher Award recognises the transformational contribution of teachers in empowering young people through public speaking and debating.