After completing his studies on the Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS course, Daniel built experience and confidence by working as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant before securing a full-time teaching role in 2022.

Now working at Thorpe Primary in Bradford, Daniel’s hard work and effective style of classroom teaching have been recognised at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, an annual celebration of UK educators.

Inspirational new teachers who have shown great promise and had a significant impact on their school and its pupils since joining the teaching team can be nominated. Introducing new ideas, showing enthusiasm, demonstrating an openness to learn from those more experienced and inspiring, engaging and enabling pupils to thrive in their academic, social, and emotional development are among the criteria nominees are judged on.

Daniel’s approach to behaviour management has received particular recognition with his use of consistent, positive praise being noted as highly effective.

Daniel Callaghan said: “When I found out I had been nominated and then won a National Teaching award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, I was in complete shock. I was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions including surprised, excited and nervous.

“It was and still is a big deal, especially being recognised for the hard work and commitment I have put into my teaching career so far. As an Early Careers Teacher (ECT the first two years are the hardest, so being recognised this early on in my career, at only 25 years old, is one of my biggest achievements.”

Dr Aimee Quickfall, Head of School of Teacher Education at Leeds Trinity University, said: “My colleagues in the School of Education at Leeds Trinity and I are immensely proud of Dan’s achievements and this award is a very well-deserved testament to his passion for education.

“We share Dan’s commitment to helping children and young people overcome socio-economic barriers in West Yorkshire and I know our current students will be inspired by his story. All of us in The School of Education offer our congratulations to Dan and wish him continued success throughout his career.”

For more information on Primary Education degrees at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website.