Winner: Gareth Davies
Runners Up: Sarah Watts, Fiona Bennett
As always, this category was open to classroom stars who, through their enthusiasm and commitment, truly inspire their pupils.
All the nominated teachers were considered inspirational, and tributes from those who nominated them really impressed the judges.
Sarah Watts, of Millthorpe School, was nominated for her support and dedication to her students, including the Year 11 pupils she coached to a national netball tournament this year, and Fiona Bennett was nominated for commitment and determination to the Year Six pupils at St Paul’s CE Primary School, including organising visits around the city and residential courses.
In the end though, Gareth Davies, whose pupils described his lessons as “cool, funny and inspirational” was the one to strike a chord with the judging panel. By using Youtube and other unorthodox teaching methods, Gareth has ensured his students remain keen to learn and take pleasure in their education.
Gareth Davies: “A lot of people have started to do it now, including our head of music. I just like messing around with videos.
“I talk a lot and if I didn’t have an outlet, my poor wife would have to suffer. Teaching is a fantastic job, and I’m really privileged to have some wonderful students and colleagues, and York is a fantastic place to be and it’s a pleasure spending my days teaching here.”
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