DAVE Bennett, head of humanities at a Leicester secondary school, has a ready smile and with his jokes and wisecracks keeps the stress of exams at bay for his students.
And if they step out of line, he is always there to shove them on to the right track, say Kim and Nicola, Year 11 students at Babington community technology college.
They are backing Mr Bennett to be secondary teacher of the year in this year’s national teaching awards.
Colleagues describe him as an inspiration: dedicated to students, always willing to listen, and restless in his pursuit of the best.
Merilyn Bee, a parent-governor, said: “He needs to be rewarded for his excellent work and acknowledged locally and nationally.”
But, alongside the lessons that are fun, what counts for Kim and Nicola is the conversations they have with the RE teacher.
“He talks to us about subjects unrelated to school. This could range from football to hairstyles and tattoos, this is what makes him different from other teachers.”
At another Leicestershire school, Longslade community college in Birstall, pupils are quick to praise the passion that Ingrid Spencer brings to her English lessons.
“Her teaching style makes you want to learn as much as you possibly can and her lessons are never dull or boring,” said pupil Gemma Heyward of Ms Spencer, nominated in the outstanding new teacher category.
“If all teachers had the personal and professional qualities Ingrid Spencer has, I believe the pass-rate for exams would be much higher.”
Fellow pupil Emma Baxter said: “If anyone does, she truly deserves this award. She doesn’t treat you like a student, but as an individual.”
Both Mr Bennett and Ms Spencer have been nominated by the vice-principals of their schools.
Elizabeth Needham, from Babington, said: “It is teachers like Dave working in challenging circumstances that make the difference. He has influenced the life of a great number of students.”
Liz Logie, from Longslade, said: “Mediocrity and compromise are alien concepts to Ingrid. Awe and wonder are frequent visitors to her lessons.”
Past winners this week spoke of their appreciation of the accolade - and the cash.
Mags Long, who won the primary leadership award last year, said the money made a real difference to her school, St Rumon’s CE infants in Tavistock, Devon.
“The cash was the stuff of dreams. We were able to spend pound;2,500 overnight on toys and equipment for outdoor play, created new work areas and improved the staff toilets. Everyone benefited.”
David Baugh, winner of last year’s BT award for most creative use of technology in a primary, has left his job at Ysgol Frangoch in Denbigh and is now a local-authority adviser. He worries that people have a misconception about the awards. “Winners only reflect what masses of teachers are doing every day,” he said.
