Miss Ackers shortlisted for teacher of the year award

Humanities teacher Miss Ackers only started at Priory in September – and she has certainly made a big impression.

Pupils were asked to vote for their Teacher of the Year for the South Ribble Community Awards and Miss Ackers, at Priory as an NQT, won by overwhelming votes despite only being at the school four months.

Her Head of Department Mr Metcalfe said: “Miss Ackers is charismatic and a big asset to our department.  She is hard working, committed and pupils warm to her. She has made a big impression in her short time here.

“She creates exciting lesson plans and her lessons grip the students. She is an NQT but is a master of her subject and is keen to share her specialist knowledge.”

One pupil Lauren said: “In History lessons, whenever I don’t get the work and need help, she goes through it with the whole class so she knows anyone else who doesn’t have the courage to say they don’t get it, will also get it.”

Another pupil said: “She makes sure that I get on with my work and keep my cool (I get mad easily and have trouble listening to people). Miss Ackers brings history to life and makes it very enjoyable.”

Another pupil added:  “Miss Ackers is the best teacher in Priory. She makes learning really interesting for everyone. She is an engaging and incredible teacher, she is creative, kind and generous and pushes everyone in the class to achieve their absolute potential. She is the most motivational teacher. She is funny, enthusiastic and empathetic. In short, Miss Ackers is the most chilled, friendliest teacher that everyone would love to have!”
 

Miss Ackers, who studied history at UCLan and specialises in modern history, admitted she was shocked by being voted as their favourite teacher by the Priory pupils.

“I am so touched and shocked, pupils kept saying they had voted for me but never in a million years did I think I would come out on top at Priory.

“I just try and bring history to life. Some see it as a dull and boring subject because it’s in the past but I make the pupils take part in classes, they are up out of their seats, we have role plays and we act battles and scenes.

“I play videos so they can picture what is being taught and it’s amazing I have made such an impression.”

The awards ceremony takes place next Friday evening, 24 January, at South Ribble Borough Council's civic centre.  The awards celebrate those individuals, groups and organisations across South Ribble that consistently go above and beyond their call of duty to make a positive difference within our communities.

Year 9 pupil, Rhianne, has been commended for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award for her work at South Ribble Tennis Centre. Rhianne will receive her certificate from the organisers after the ceremony.