Dedicated Film Studies Teacher is Recognised for his “Outstanding Contribution”
After almost 30 years of teaching, much-loved English and Film Studies tutor Mike Gregory has decided to leave the profession to pursue other avenues. As a fitting tribute to mark the end of such an illustrious career, Mike won the National Education Union’s “Outstanding Contribution to Local Education” award at a ceremony on Thursday the 7th of June at St Patrick’s Social Club in Wigan.
Mike was nominated by Toby Lynch, Course Leader for Literature at SJR. Toby was full of praise for his valued colleague, stating: “Mike was a sensitive and supportive mentor to me as an NQT and his unwavering support and kindness is something that I – and many others – have often had to draw upon at challenging times over the last 10 years.”
He went on to say: “We will be losing not just that wealth of experience but also his extraordinary, encyclopaedic knowledge of – and passion for – literature and film. More importantly, we will be losing the daily company of a genuinely lovely man whose kind nature and gentle good humour everyone recognises.”
Principal Peter McGhee supported the nomination by adding: “Mike has been a valued colleague and his enthusiasm and passion for his subject have impacted upon thousands of young people from Wigan and the surrounding areas over many years. Throughout my time at the college he has shared this enthusiasm through the Film Club which is held outside of college hours and develops a love of film in our students by going outside of the constraints of an examination board’s specification.”
Mike is not only an asset to St John Rigby college but to the teaching profession itself. He will be sorely missed by staff and students alike. We wish him the very best for whatever the future may hold.
