Paul Atkins, an EFL teacher at Maltalingua, was presented with the “Inspiring ELT Professional of the Year 2022” award at last year’s 9th ELT conference.
Paul has been a teacher, teacher trainer and academic manager for the last 30 years. With a DELTA, a first-class B.Sc. and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, he has taught thousands of students across Malta and the UK.
Each year the ELT Council staff collect nominations for the ELT Professional Awards, which a working group then vets. The winner is chosen on actual merit, not simply on the number of nominations received. Paul was one of 30 nominees.
The ceremony was held at Xara Lodge, and the award was presented by the Chairman of the ELT Council, Dr Daniel Xerri.
Paul was recognised for his enthusiasm to teach, his passion for the job, his fun lesson tactics and his dependability with students and staff alike, as well as his dedication to teaching.
Paul didn’t just accept the award graciously. He dedicated it, and the winnings, towards helping a Ukrainian family learn English at Maltalingua. That gesture inspired Maltalingua to offer the family this opportunity for free.
This is about as high as an ELT teacher’s recognition gets, so do join us in congratulating our own Paul Atkins.