TEACHERS from Suffolk and Essex have been shortlisted for a host of honours at this year's Teaching Awards.

Danielle Nuttall

TEACHERS from Suffolk and Essex have been shortlisted for a host of honours at this year's Teaching Awards.

A total of seven teachers from the two counties have been selected as finalists from the East of England.

The awards, which are now in their 10th year, will recognise 11 unsung heroes across the region in different categories and will be held in Norwich on June 12.

A total of 30 teachers, teaching assistants, governors and schools have made the shortlist.

Each winner will receive a Plato - the Teaching Awards symbol of excellence in education.

Caroline Evans, awards chief executive, said: “The influence of these outstanding individuals on the lives of children and their families cannot be underestimated.

“Society needs to recognise their contribution and that teaching is a fulfilling career. The Teaching Awards is a great way to say thank you and we are proud to recognise such excellence and passion.”

The local finalists are:

The Royal Air Force Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School - Mike O'Sullivan, The John Bramston School, Witham, and Stephen Cole, Woodbridge School.

The Award for Special Needs Teacher of the Year - Linda Crawford, Westley Middle School, Bury St Edmunds.

The Guardian Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School - Gitte Ferriby, The Sandon School, Chelmsford.

The DCSF Award for Governor of the Year - Hilary Lyne, The Sandon School, Chelmsford

The Teaching Awards were founded by Lord Puttman CBE in 1998 to focus on inspired professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible.

This year an additional award, the GTC Award for Excellence in Professional Development, will be presented by the General Teaching Council to a finalist who has made a special contribution in this field.