Story from Express and Echo (Exeter)

Teacher's work with deaf up for national accolade

A city teacher will compete for a national prize after his work with the deaf community was acknowledged regionally.

John Mancini was successfully nominated for the South West Teacher of the Year Award by the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education in Exeter, where he works.

Mr Mancini will now attend the national awards ceremony in London on November 12, where he will be up against nine other candidates from around the country.

The awards are sponsored by Signature, a charity which champions excellence in communication with deaf and deaf blind people.

Judges were impressed by Mr Mancini's commitment both to his students and to the local deaf community.

As well as teaching at the academy, he is manager of the British Sign Language (BSL) services and a leading provider of BSL training in the South West of England.

He is also involved in fundraising for several charities, including completing this year's London Marathon on behalf of the National Deaf Children's Society.

Helen Lach, head of educational development and inclusion at the Exeter Academy, said it was fitting that Mr Mancini's work had been recognised within the South West.

She said: "Exeter is rapidly becoming a signing city due to John's contribution.

"He motivates his students to aim high, taking time to explain the value of improved BSL skills for future career opportunities.

"And it is not just Exeter that is benefiting from John's expertise - he is also playing a key role in setting up the BSL training school in Bristol in September."

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