Kate says ‘thank you’ to Mr Pugh
Kate Thornton, the celebrity presenter who hosted our 2007 national ceremony, is at the heart of the 2008 nominations campaign this term.
'Teachers do so many fantastic things for our kids but they rarely receive the praise they deserve,’ says Kate. ‘While a thank-you card and a mug at the end of term is all well and good, if you really want to thank your child’s favourite teacher, put them forward for a Teaching Award'.
We know Kate’s message is heartfelt since her English and drama teacher, Mr Pugh, was 'truly inspiring'. 'He recognised my love of the written word, encouraged me to develop my writing skills and told me I could be anything I wanted as long as I was prepared to work hard.
'He gave me the confidence to follow a career path that must have seemed very fancy at the time in a small-town school. Without his encouragement I would never have had the guts to chase a career in journalism and television'.
In this tenth anniversary year a host of other famous names are lending support to the Teaching Awards including comedian and award-winning actor Rob Brydon, who says his drama teacher at Porthcawl comprehensive, Roger Burnell, had an "enormous influence".
"I wasn’t very academic but what rescued me was drama. Roger was very focussed, very professional. We have kept in touch over the years and he was at both my weddings. Teachers deserve great credit and support."
Nominate now online. The deadline for 2008 nominations is March 1.
