Teaching and engaging an entire class of primary pupils is already an achievement for a new teacher.
However, having them all progress to above average performance in maths while profoundly deaf, and using a combination of sign language and lip reading to interact with a class of hearing children, is the mark of an exceptional talent.
It’s not surprising, then, that for Alysha Allen, who teaches maths at Brimsdown Primary School in Enfield, this year’s Tes new teacher of the year award is not the first accolade in her young career.
Earlier this year, she received a special contribution award from the Maths Hub, a national organisation that aims to recognise excellence in teaching in the subject.
A BBC News video following Ms Allen in class included compelling viewing of pupils using sign language with her and among themselves.
The school recently celebrated 10 years of being an accredited hearing impairment resource base by Signature, the leading awarding body for deaf communications qualifications in the UK.
Her nomination for the Tes Schools Awards reads: “Alysha has inspired us all with her positivity and resilience. She has had much more to deal with in her life than many of us but every day she comes to school with a positive attitude and that’s reflected in the enthusiasm of her class, who love to learn.”
The lead category judge, Samantha Twiselton, praised Ms Allen’s inspiring work, and said: “As always, judging the new teacher category was inspiring and humbling, with so many truly impressive entries. The winner is a fantastic role model for children and teachers everywhere.”
