A Fermanagh teacher has been named the overall ‘Best Primary School Teacher in Northern Ireland’ at the Families First Education Awards 2023.

Stacey Mitchell, a teacher in the ASD Unit at Jones Memorial Primary School in Enniskillen, was announced as the winner of the Northern Ireland-wide accolade during the awards ceremony, which was held at the Titanic Centre, Belfast on Saturday, April 22.

During the ceremony, Stacey was congratulated on her outstanding teaching and hard work in the ASD Unit of the primary school.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Stacey – who was one of 15 finalists in the ‘Best Teacher’ category – shared her delight at winning the award, and noted her gratefulness for the leadership at Jones Memorial PS for helping her to get to where she is.

She said: “Even though it is a personal award, it highlights Jones Memorial PS. I would never have got to where I am if it wasn’t for Jones Memorial PS, if it wasn’t for the leadership.

“I’ve been teaching [at the school] for 12 years now and it’s just a lovely accolade to get for what I’ve done.”

When it was announced by the awards ceremony host, Frank Mitchell, that she was the winner, Stacey said she “didn’t believe it at all”.

“There were other teachers there who were vice-principals and everything! I was so aware of the calibre of people in the room – exceptional teachers.

“I just wasn’t expecting this at all, so it was a bit of a delayed reaction.”

There was more success for the area as Jones Memorial PS and St. Mary’s PS, Brookeborough were named as the joint ‘Best Primary School in Fermanagh’, and Fivemiletown PS and Nursery won ‘Best Primary School in Tyrone’.

Principal of Jones Memorial PS, Sandra Isherwood, said: “We could not be prouder of the whole Jones Memorial team.

“As a family school we celebrate success together and I would like to say that the whole team is responsible for this award.

“I am proud to be the principal of such an incredible school.

“We are jumping for joy for Mrs. Mitchell – what an achievement! We recognise her commitment and love of teaching, and we know that this permeates throughout the whole school community.”

Principal of St. Mary’s PS, Brookeborough Sheila Mullin said the school community was “delighted” to be, firstly, nominated by parents, and then announced as joint winners of Fermanagh Best School at the awards ceremony, which celebrated excellence in education.

Sheila was also awarded a special recognition award on the night in her new role as principal of St. Mary’s PS, Brookeborough.

Delighted to be awarded ‘Best Primary School in Co. Tyrone’, principal of Fivemiletown PS, Florence Pryce, said the accolade is a “testament” to how the schools’ Governors, PTFA, staff and parents work hard together to ensure all pupils receive an “outstanding education providing a range of wonderful experiences to enrich the life of every child”.

She said: “We were completely overwhelmed and filled with great pride, with the volume of touching and positive comments that many parents and members of the community submitted as part of the voting process for the Families First Awards.

“We are proud to be a centre of nurture and support for our children and their families.

“We reach out beyond the school gates to care, listen, nurture, encourage and celebrate. It is our privilege to serve this wonderful community and we are truly humbled to have received these awards.

“I am very blessed to have highly-skilled, dedicated and inspirational staff who go above and beyond everyday for the children in their care,” said Florence.

The school also received special recognition awards for Florence in the category of ‘Best Principal’, and vice-principal Heather Graydon in the category of ‘Best Teacher’.