Inspiration in Education nominee – Gemma Williams

Inspiration in Education nominee – Gemma Williams

Years of working in children’s palliative care and as a sister in a paediatric A&E taught Gemma Williams the importance of making every day count.

In fact that’s become one of her daily mantras in her current role as a senior lecturer in children’s nursing at Staffordshire University.

“I like motivating and inspiring people,” she said. “I come from a background of working as a sister in a children’s A&E and then I worked in children’s palliative care in hospices for five and a half years.

“I try to combine theory and practice in all of my teaching sessions and use my experiences and learnings in my teaching. I’m a hands-on learner and teacher.”

Gemma, from Lichfield, has been nominated as an Inspiration in Education in the Your Heroes Awards by one of her students, Danielle Valentino.

Danielle said: “Gemma is an inspiration to myself. She is someone I look up to and aspire to be. Gemma’s teaching methods and her kindness shine through in her lectures, where we as her students feel engaged and enjoy learning.

“Gemma is always thinking outside the box and trying to find new ways to help us retain information. Not only is Gemma a fantastic lecturer, you can tell she was born to be a nurse. Her compassion and enthusiasm in this area make us feel empowered to be brave and to challenge aspects that can improve patients’ wellbeing.

“I hope Gemma gets acknowledged for this award. She truly deserves to be recognised.”

Gemma, who joined Staffordshire University in December 2022, said: “I feel humbled and quite honoured to be nominated. Hopefully it’ll inspire others.”

She is part of Staffordshire University’s Nursing Apprenticeship Team.