School of Education alumnus selected as finalist in the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards
School of Education alumnus Cainã Perri de Souza (MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, 2018) has been selected as a finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.
The British Council Study UK Alumni Awards recognise leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries. Cainã is one of 28 global finalists, which is a fantastic achievement.
Cainã has over 15 years’ experience in the Education industry, most recently working as Pedagogical Coordinator for Associação Nova Escola. Cainã is responsible for creating professional development opportunities for over 20,000 English Language teachers working at public schools in Brazil as part of the UK-Brazil skills for Prosperity Programme. He also wrote ‘Khan for Educators’ and co-wrote a ‘Train the Trainers’ programme with MCG, during his time as Programme Manager (Teacher of Education) at Khan Academy. Cainã is passionate about teaching and believes in the power of education to change the status quo of social inequalities.
Professor Vanessa Kind, Head of the School of Education, commented:
“We are extremely pleased that Cainã has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in the Social Action Award category. Cainã is a deserving finalist and his commitment to have such an impact on education and social inequalities is inspiring. We hope to welcome Cainã back to the School of Education soon so he can share his experiences with the next generation of educators.”
Dr Judith Hanks, Associate Professor in Language Education, commented:
“I knew Cainã as my student on the Masters in Education for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) during the academic year 2017-18. He joined the programme with extensive experience as a TESOL instructor and teacher educator in his home country, and he drew on this wealth of knowledge and expertise in his academic work.
His ability to critically analyse and then synthesise ideas was second to none, and he was able to communicate his ideas clearly yet sensitively. Following graduation, he subsequently achieved success working on the design of an online and self-paced English language course for teachers as part of the UK-Brazil Skills for Prosperity Programme (in partnership with the UK FCDO), which, I am delighted to hear, has led to his success as Global Finalist in the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.
Cainã demonstrates the significant international impact of work in TESOL, particularly in areas of wellbeing, education and social justice. I can’t think of a better recipient for the British Council Award. Well done Cainã – you are an inspiration!”
Professor Paul Johnson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, commented:
“We are delighted that Cainã has been shortlisted as a Global finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in the Business and Innovation Award category. Cainã has had an inspiring career so far and has already contributed towards the education of thousands of students. There is no doubt that he is a worthy finalist. We wish him the best of luck for the award and hope to welcome him back to Leeds to share his story soon.”
You can find out more about the awards and the finalists on the Study UK website.
Find out more about Masters study in the School of Education.
