AN OUTSTANDING Grimsby teacher has won national recognition.
Rachel Revell, the head of English at Oasis Academy Wintringham, was awarded a distinction by the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards after coming runner-up in the Midlands section of the nationwide contest.
She was nominated by a former student at the academy for her hard work and determination to help every student.
This year, more than 24,000 teachers from throughout the country were nominated.
Rachel, who has been English teacher for nine years, said: "It's a great honour and was a total surprise.
"It's so nice to know that I am making such a big impact on my students' lives.
"The student who nominated me has said that he now wants to go into teaching because of me.
"I went into teaching because of one of my teachers, so it's really nice to be the encouragement for him.
"I love my job and I love what I do. I am so proud to be chosen and I want to thank everyone that had such kind comments to say about me."
After being nominated, judges visited teachers at their school to observe them.
The judges then spoke to groups of students and their parents, as well as staff and the heads of schools to build up an idea of the teacher's character and impact on the school.
One of Rachel's current students, Harry Dixon, 16, said: "She has a unique way of teaching.
"She can explain things in different ways so everybody can understand."
And Simeon Bentley, 16, said: "You are never bored in her classes or confused.
"She makes everything easy to understand for everybody.
"She has the balance between being strict and being easy with the students that a lot of teachers don't get."
Principal Jane Bowman said: "This nomination and the award is a tremendous accolade for Rachel.
"It is great recognition for a teacher who gives so much.
"To have a student leave the school but feel the need to come back and state how great her teaching was is tremendous.
"We are all enormously proud of her. This reflect very highly on Rachel and on the school.
"The judges asked students, parents and other staff members about Rachel and they got phenomenal feedback."
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