TEACHERS at Blackburn College who have gone above and beyond the call of duty have been recognised for their outstanding work.

To mark UNESCO World Teachers Day, which is held annually to commemorate teachers’ organisations worldwide, teachers Val Bell and Maria Melia have been recognised for their efforts.

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UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) said the day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.

Blackburn College gave the special accolade to teachers Val, who is a health and social care lecturer and Maria, who teaches ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

The Level Three Health and Social Care NHS Cadets, a programme specifically for students who want to go into nursing The group said: “Val is caring, supportive and is very motivating in her classes. She has got to know us all individually and has built up a relationship with each and everyone one of us.

“She always advertises loads of opportunities that we can get involved in which even included getting us to do PE last year.

“She constantly pushes us to achieve higher grades and is really pushing us to go to university and complete our UCAS forms.

“For those that want to go to university but not to do nursing, Val has encouraged them to do other courses too – she’s so knowledgeable and a real gem.”

Val, who has taught at the college for the past two years said: “I am shocked to have been recognised for my teaching.

“I love teaching, seeing the students develop and come out prepared for work. When they start they often lack confidence, but as they learn new skills they blossom.”

Maria was praised by her students for being a lovely person and explaining things slowly and clearly.

Stefan Kupindura from Hamburg in Germany is learning English with Maria. He said: “As well as being sympathetic Maria is a very powerful teacher and we have all learnt lots from her lessons.”

Maria, who has taught at Blackburn College for the past 12 years, said: “I love helping the students and seeing them progress from speaking little or no English.

“I am absolutely shocked but thrilled to have been recognised for my work. It is nice to know that the students value my teaching.”