Inspired advice of top teacher

Feb 1 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

ONE of the region’s most inspirational teachers is hoping even more school communities will be rewarded at this year’s North-East Schools Awards.

Michele O’Donnell, who works at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Newcastle, was one of three finalists in the most inspirational primary school teacher category at last year’s awards, and said that her whole school benefited from the recognition she received.

She said: “It was a bit of a shock at first, but it was lovely to be selected, and as a result I was also invited to the Civic Centre to attend the city council’s own awards ceremony.

“I was obviously very proud, but it was great for the children as well to be part of the class that I was in at that time.”

Michelle was up for one of five individual awards, all of which are up for grabs again this year, with the other prizes being for inspirational secondary school teacher, caretaker of the year, school support staff of the year and head teacher of the year.

Nominees are also being sought for project awards including the school newspaper award, the environment award, the healthy living award, the sustainable school award and the active community award.

The awards are sponsored by Northumbrian Water and run by The Journal in association with our sister paper on Teesside, the Evening Gazette. The closing date for entries is March 14.

Michelle added: “I would encourage anybody to nominate people or projects within their schools, as it brings a great unity to everybody within the school set-up.

“The whole school community benefits from the recognition.”

For more information on the awards visit www.journallive.co.uk/schoolsawards or contact Claire Evans on (0191) 201-6089.