This award recognised a teacher that inspires engages pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential.

The winner of this award was Jennifer Sidwells, an English teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon that has been teaching around 15 years.

One of Mrs Sidwells pupils wrote: "She has encouraged me to have confidence in myself.

"She could see past my struggles with dyslexia and knew she could develop my interests. She inspires all our class through humour and patience."

Speaking after the award Mrs Sidwells said: “It is so lovely that a student nominated me, but it is also everyone behind the scenes that deserves recognition.”

The Leader: Jennifer Sidwells teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Matt Lewis from Educate Group and Andrea Byrne Itv WalesJennifer Sidwells teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Matt Lewis from Educate Group and Andrea Byrne Itv Wales (Image: Simon Warburton Photographer)

The talented teacher reflected on the impact of the Leader Education Awards, she said: “We need nights like this and to get that extra recognition.”

READ MORE: 

Mrs Sidwell said the award had made her feel valued for her work and she thanked her supportive team at Ysgol Maes Garmon.

Posting via social media, a representative from Ysgol Maes Garmon said: "CONGRATULATIONS to our English teacher Mrs Sidwells who has won the Secondary School Teacher of the Year in a competition organised by Leaderlive."

 

Other teachers nominated for the award included Louise Hughes, described as a dedicated teacher who encourages every student to be the best they can and Catrin Hughes-Owen, who always finds ways to make learning fun and engaging.

The award was presented by Matt Lewis from the Educate Group.