Minnie Driver Appointed as Ambassador of the Pearson Teaching Awards

LONDON, October 9, 2011 -

Star of stage and screen and acclaimed singer song-writer Minnie Driver has accepted the role of Ambassador for The Pearson Teaching Awards. Minnie is a passionate spokesperson for the transformational power of education and she has joined forces with the Awards to support teachers in their vital work, helping young people achieve their potential in life.  Minnie is also an Arts Education Advocate for President Obama’s Champions for Change Programme.

“I’m delighted to become an Ambassador for the Pearson Teaching Awards,” says Driver.  ”I was fortunate to have a really good education and had an outstandingly good music teacher who encouraged me to explore my love of music as a way to help unscramble my block with maths.  I believe the arts give children the tools for creative thinking that serve children in every aspect of scholastic development.”

Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Pearson Teaching Awards Trust says “Having Minnie as an Ambassador of the Awards is a great honour for us.  Minnie’s support will endorse the fact that a good teacher gives students life-changing learning and understanding. This year some 22,000 teachers have been nominated for the awards.”

The 2011 Pearson Teaching Awards will take place on Sunday, October 30^th at the Palace Theatre in London.  The UK ceremony will award eight individuals and three schools with gold Platos - the ultimate symbol of excellence in education and will be aired that evening on BBC 2.

Hunky Dory, the film in which Driver plays a school drama teacher Vivienne is being premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October. It is scheduled for theatrical release in March 2012.  Hunky Dory is set in Swansea in the summer of 1976 - the hottest summer the UK has ever seen. Half-way between a musical and a drama the film centres around the trials and tribulations of an idealistic drama teacher - Driver - as she tries to put on the end of year show; a rock and roll, space age version of Shakespeare’s Tempest using the kids’ favourite pop songs to tell the story.

In 2011, Driver will be appearing alongside Vera Farmiga, David Duchovny, Will Arnett and Keri Russell in the comedy Goats.  

www.teachingawards.com

For further information please contact:
Amanda Slayton-Joslin, Amanda@honchopr.com ,  tel: +44(0)7774-601-059
Charlotte Priest, charlotte@honchopr.com , tel: +44(0)7876-222-327

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