A St Albans secondary school teacher has been honoured with a prestigious national award.
Emma Beaton, who teaches as Sandringham School, has won the Silver Award in The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School after being selected from thousands of nominations across the country.
She was one of 102 teachers recognised by the annual Pearson National Teaching Awards for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.
Emma, who has more than 20 years' teaching experience spanning all key stages, was highlighted for her consistent passion for education and working with young people.
The judges heard how she is incredibly innovative in her approaches to teaching and learning and is an advocate for blended learning to enhance student experience; vital skills which were fully utilised when introducing remote teaching during the lockdowns.
Emma is an inspiring member of the school's arts team and a highly accomplished musician, motivating students to enjoy a love of live performance and composition, and gives significantly of her time to support many projects for both the school and the wider community.
She has now been shortlisted to win one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year, in a BBC TV programme celebrating the exceptional school staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country.
The Silver Award winners are being honoured as part of the wider celebrations for ‘Thank a Teacher Day’, a national campaign to honour and recognise school staff for their incredible work.
Sandringham head teacher Alan Gray said: "It is an honour to have Emma on our teaching staff at Sandringham.
"She is an amazing teacher and a wonderful person, who goes above and beyond every day to provide those truly memorable life experiences for young people.
"Her work in the music faculty and commitment to music is outstanding, hence the recognition as a silver award winner for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School.
"We were in no doubt that she had the qualities to be recognised at this level, and are delighted that the Teaching Awards team agree with us.
"Many congratulations, Emma, and thank you for everything you do at the school."
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