It was announced today (Saturday, 2 August at 12.00pm at the Welsh Government stand, Maes D) at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod that Emma Burton has received the 2025 ‘Tlws y Tiwtor’ Learn Welsh tutor award.
The award is given by the National Centre for Learning Welsh to a tutor who has made a notable contribution to the Learn Welsh sector.
Originally from Trawsfynydd, but now living in Wrexham, Emma had her first experience of working as a tutor when the National Eisteddfod visited Wrexham in 2011. A new ‘Welsh for the Family’ course was held at a time when Welsh-medium education was growing in Wrexham, and Emma was part of the team that piloted the scheme.
Since then, Emma has worked as a Learn Welsh tutor with Coleg Cambria and Bangor University, two course providers for the National Centre for Learning Welsh. She now works as a full-time tutor and Curriculum Lead with Learn Welsh North East, which is run by Coleg Cambria on behalf of the National Centre.
According to Jeni Harris, Curriculum Director at Learn Welsh North East, “On behalf of Learn Welsh North East, I would like to congratulate Emma on winning this award and thank her for her special contribution to the sector.
“Emma now works mainly with parents, helping them to encourage their children’s use of Welsh at home. Her ability to immerse her learners in the language and wider culture, combined with her enthusiasm for promoting the language and the dynamic atmosphere she creates in her classroom, has influenced many parents to choose Welsh-medium education for their children.
“She is also a valued member of the committee that organises the provider’s learners’ eisteddfod. The learners’ eisteddfod offers an authentic cultural experience to learners and helps build their confidence to engage with and immerse themselves in our culture.”
The award was presented to Emma by Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Dona said, “Emma is a perfect example of a tutor who goes the extra mile to ensure our learners cross the bridge to become confident speakers in the community.
“From encouraging learners to read their first Welsh book to attending a Welsh language gig or play, Emma succeeds in giving her learners the confidence to speak Welsh outside the classroom and feel part of the community. Her work with parents is also highly commendable – diolch yn fawr, thank you very much, Emma, for all your work in the North East.”
On receiving the award, Emma said, “It is such an honour to receive this award. I love working in the Learn Welsh sector and it’s a privilege to help people discover the Welsh language and its culture, and to see their confidence grow as they learn.
“But this award is not just for my work – it also reflects the special teamwork involved. I would like to thank my colleagues from the bottom of my heart for their support, help, and constant inspiration. It’s a pleasure to work alongside them.
“I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who’s been part of the journey – learners, mentors, and of course, friends. It’s a privilege to play a small part in the development of the Welsh language, and I look forward to continuing to share the language with love and plenty of enthusiasm!”
