Joanne Howard, Director of Learning for Performing Arts at King James I Academy, has received a Distinction in the category of Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School for the 2012 Pearson Teaching Awards.
Joanne, who was nominated for the award by former student Thomas Wales, was short listed from a record number of nominations and commended for her vibrant approach to teaching and passion for her subject.
This accolade is a major achievement, which was celebrated in assembly at the Academy to coincide with ‘Thank a Teacher Day’.
Joanne had a surprise visit from Thomas, who returned from university especially to congratulate the teacher that inspired him so much, and she was also joined by current students and two very special members of Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (BATH), the theatre group for young people that Joanne was once part of and now helps run alongside friend and colleague, Stephen Elliott.
Joanne is understandably delighted at her success, saying, “I was incredibly flattered when I heard that Thomas had nominated me for an award; to receive thanks from a student is a fantastic feeling and this recognition is a huge honour. I am absolutely thrilled.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
I am so pleased for Miss Howard the dedication this young teacher has towards not only the field she has chosen to teach(Drama) but also to her class she has for registration is second to none she has been there for my daughter who has been in her registration class for the past 3 years supporting and encouraging but also helping her through those difficult times when life can throw obstacles in the way that are just to difficult to get over alone,she is so friendly and for a parent very approable even supporting me when I’ve needed it. But it’s not only her dedication to her pupils that must been mentioned . She has thrown herself heart ,body and soul into her role as a Drama teacher she has taught tin BATH students ages 5~11yrs and even when her role as Director of Learning for Performing Arts meant that she has to pass the reins over to student mentors she still keeps a eye in proceedings supporting the mentors being there for practise and performances with her colleague and writer of all the shows Steven Elliott. The kids love to perform but the respect and dedication and enjoyment that the students show in every performance they do is there and willingly given because, of what Joanne Howard and Steve Elliott put in to their teaching roles. Well Done Joanne.
A grateful parent