Most NQTs would be pleased to have mastered classroom control by the end of their second year. But by that point in his career Christopher Harte had become one of the youngest teachers in the country to achieve advanced skills teacher (AST) status and was inviting trainees and old hands alike to learn from his example. Mr Harte, a languages teacher, was recently named new teacher of the year in the National Teaching Awards. The judges of the “teaching Oscars” praised his confidence, innovation and purposeful lessons. Nominations are now being accepted for next year’s awards. See www.teachingawards.com