Oscars of education recognises Immanuel College teacher

The assistant head of Jewish education at the UK’s only mainstream Jewish independent 4 to 18 school, has been selected for a coveted place on the TES shortlist for Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary).

Michael Lewis, who has taught at Immanuel College since 2016, was chosen out of a national field of educators, across both the state and independent sectors.

Immanuel College is the only Jewish school to be shortlisted in any of the 21 TES Awards categories.

Known as the ‘Oscars of education’, the TES School Awards is a prestigious awards programme which celebrates the best of education across the UK. The shortlist was compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and experts. The schools and teachers they choose showcase the best of education across the sector within 21 award categories, covering all areas of school education.

Jon Severs, editor of TES Magazine said: “The standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face. It is critical we celebrate excellence and share it widely so we can ensure that the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised.”

An Immanuel College sixth-former said of Lewis: “I know that he would tell me that I have reached my goals because of my own merit, but I hope he knows the amazing impact that he has had on my life.

“During the time that Mr Lewis was my teacher I had been through many hardships.  I felt very lost and I did not really know who to speak to or what to do with myself. Mr Lewis could sense this and became so much more than just an ordinary teacher, he was someone who I could speak to and to give me advice or to even just have someone to listen to me.

“Even though there was nothing that Mr Lewis could physically do about my situations, he made me feel better and stronger about how I could turn all of these uncertainties and negatives that I had in my life into positives and possibilities.”

Another Immanuel College sixth-former added: “During Year 12, I decided to do an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and needed some help with some of the material I was analysing. I once approached Mr Lewis for help and since then he made it his personal mission to ensure the success of my project.

“He not only gave up his time on numerous occasions to sit with me and work on my EPQ, but he also spent time researching useful information for me (even during half term!), helping me find resources and explaining any information that I was having trouble understanding. I am confident that his effort contributed greatly to my final grade (all his efforts being completely voluntary and not his responsibility at all).”

Immanuel College’s headmaster Dr Millan Sachania said: “The kind of optimistic, indefatigable, skilled and totally individualised teaching TES recognises this year in Michael Lewis is the essence of Immanuel College.  We are so proud of him as well as the pupils’ achievements he has inspired and nurtured.”

Daniel Levy, Immanuel College Chair of Governors, added: “Michael Lewis embodies the chesed (kindness) and kavvanah (sincere feeling) that makes Immanuel College such a special place.  We are thrilled that our Jewish Studies team has such a wonderful subject lead who is appreciated by pupils and colleagues – and now recognised by a national organisation as the TES School Awards.”

Winners will be announced on 21 June at the TES awards ceremony in London.