South Ayrshire teacher recognised with top award

This is an archived article from 12 June 2023. 

A South Ayrshire Council teacher has scooped a top award at the recent Scottish Education Awards held in Glasgow.

Despite strong competition, Amanda Pickard won the coveted 'Digital Innovator of the Year' award through her role as a Digital Learning Officer for the Council's Education Service.

Amanda is also a Digital Champion for the Council and goes above and beyond to motivate and encourage colleagues to increase their digital skills and confidence. 

The award recognises Amanda's effective use of digital technology in the classroom and her determination to make learning more engaging and inclusive.

Amanda said: "I was so surprised and humbled to have been nominated, and to have won this award means the absolute world to me. I feel so lucky to be able to work with so many learners across South Ayrshire.

"I am passionate about the difference digital can make to our learners and I really appreciate all the incredible support and encouragement I receive from my colleagues in South Ayrshire.  Being part of the wider, global communities who are embracing new technologies and integrating them into learning and teaching practices inspires me every day."

Councillor Stephen Ferry, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "This is a fantastic achievement and very well deserved. Amanda's enthusiasm ensures our young people are receiving the best tuition, making the most of the digital technologies available, and facilitating their transition into the modern workplace."

In partnership with Education Scotland, the awards celebrate the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education and the annual event recognises those who dedicate their lives to children, young people and the wider community and showcases the valuable work and innovation across Scotland.