A GOWER College Swansea tutor who helps learners and educators understand digital innovation is set to be recognised at a national awards ceremony.
Connie Henry, an Essential Skills Wales Practitioner and Digital Peer Mentor at the college, has been shortlisted for the Inspire! Tutor Awards 2026, which will take place at the Senedd in Cardiff on Monday (Mar 17).
The awards recognise tutors who have made an outstanding contribution to adult education across Wales in settings including Higher Education, Further Education, workplaces, community learning and Welsh for Adults.
Co-ordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, the Inspire! Tutor Awards celebrate educators who help adult learners develop new skills and improve their opportunities.
Connie’s work focuses on helping both learners and educators understand how digital tools can be used in practical ways to improve learning and teaching.
She said: “What drives my work is seeing learners and educators discover tools, strategies or perspectives that genuinely change how they learn, teach or work.
“I am passionate about creating learning experiences that are practical, inclusive and empowering, ensuring that digital innovation works for people rather than becoming a barrier.”
Her role includes classroom teaching, workshops, mentoring and one-to-one support, as well as continuing professional development for staff across the education sector.
Connie also provides training for staff supporting neurodiverse learners, working alongside a neurodiversity specialist.
Alongside her teaching work, Connie has completed Level 5 qualifications with the British Dyslexia Association and three apprenticeships, helping her develop new approaches to supporting learners.
As a Jisc Community Champion she also helps organise TechTober, an annual programme of free professional development sessions for educators around the world, sharing practical ways to use digital tools in teaching.
Connie also serves as secretary to the board of trustees of the Kenya Community Education Project, helping to involve students in fundraising, school partnerships and global learning initiatives.
She was nominated for the award by Stella Elphick, Digital Commercial Manager at Gower College Swansea.
Ms Elphick said: “Connie has a rare ability to translate complex and fast-moving developments, including artificial intelligence, into accessible, practical learning opportunities that enhance teaching and learning.”
Welsh Government Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, congratulated Connie on the recognition.
She said: “The Inspire! Tutor Awards are a chance to celebrate the fantastic tutors across Wales who are supporting adult learners to develop new skills.
“We know that when someone returns to learning the benefits can extend throughout families and communities in ways that are truly life-changing.”
Michelle Matheron, Director for Wales at the Learning and Work Institute, said the awards recognise the “incredible dedication” of educators across Wales.
Picture caption:
Connie Henry, who supports learners and educators in Wales and around the world.
