A TEACHER from York has been shortlisted for prestigious national award.

Jan Wilson, a class teacher at The Mount Junior School, has been shortlisted in this year’s national Pearson Teaching Awards.

The awards are in their 20th year and celebrate exceptional teachers. They were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam and recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Entries for teachers, lecturers, teaching assistants and heads came from across schools and colleges in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The entries have been shortlisted to 69 nominees are across 12 categories

Jan Wilson has been shortlisted from thousands to the final eight in the ‘Teacher of the year in a primary school’ category.

She has taught at The Mount School York for 26 years and during this time has contributed to all aspects of School life from teaching Nursery to working in the boarding house, to leading Forest School and outdoor learning to introducing the use of technology and iPads into her classroom. She has made a massive contribution to the Performing Arts producing spectacular performances for pupils from the age of 3 to 18.

Highlights have included Oliver, The Lion King and The Wizard of Oz.

Jan, who was anonymously nominated will now be visited by a judging panel who will observe her teaching and meet with parents and staff at school. Silver winners will be announced on Thank a Teacher Day on Friday, June 22.

These winners will attend a celebratory tea at the House of Commons in London.

Head teacher Rachel Capper, said: “I am delighted for Jan.

"To be selected from the thousands of teachers nominated to the final 8 is a fantastic achievement that is thoroughly deserved.

"Jan inspires children, parents and colleagues with her passion and dedication to educating young children.

"She is a creative person who works tirelessly to provide children with opportunities and experiences in the classroom and beyond. We are looking forward to the judges visiting the school and witnessing Jan’s enthusiasm and dedication in action.”

A parent from The Mount Junior School adds: “Jan Wilson is a dedicated, caring and passionate teacher. Her enthusiasm for teaching is reflected every day on the smiling faces of her pupils. We wish her the best of luck at the awards.”

Jan said: "Throughout my career I have had the privilege of working with supportive colleagues who seek to nurture in our pupils that greatest and most powerful of things: an enthusiastic child with an enquiring mind."

The ultimate winners of each category will be awarded with a gold Plato award, known as the Oscars for teachers, this autumn.

That celebration will take place on October 21 in London and will be televised by the BBC on October 28.