TWO Halton teachers are hot contenders for the regional finals of the National Teaching Awards.
Anne Marshall, a teacher at Lunts Heath Primary School, Widnes, has been shortlisted for the title Teacher of the Year in the Primary School Awards.
And Brenda McDermott, from Runcorn's Grange Comprehensive School, has been shortlisted for Teaching Assistant of the Year.
Mrs Marshall, who has notched up 30 years of teaching at Lunts Heath, was nominated by a fellow teacher.
And Mrs McDermott was nominated by the Grange School for her 'unstinting devotion' to the job.
They will be visited in their schools by members of the judging panel and they have already been invited to attend a local awards ceremony for the scheme in July.
The finals are held in London in October.
The regional finals ceremony will be at The Lowry, Manchester, on Tuesday, July 3.
Cllr Tom McInerney (children and young people) said: 'This is a fantastic achievement.
'I am delighted that the quality of teaching and commitment of Halton teachers has been recognised in this way.'
Dedicated, caring and enthusiastic
MRS MARSHALL'S nomination said: 'Anne was a class teacher to two of my children for two years each. Both gained enormously from her care and guidance.
'Her pupils both love and respect her and her ability to inspire and motivate them is second to none.
'Anne has been running the school choir for many years - teaching them to sing, accompanying them on the piano and keyboard and even composing songs.
'She lives and breathes the school and its pupils; she is the most dedicated, caring and enthusiastic teacher
you could ever meet and she thoroughly deserves the recognition of a teaching award.'
Pupils feel part of a big family
MRS McDERMOTT'S nomination said: 'Brenda works within the SEN area of the school and works with pupils who have a wide range of learning difficulties.
'Brenda helps the pupils to gain self-esteem and the feeling of belonging.
'Brenda is also like a mum and makes the staff and pupils feel part of a big family.'
