Mrs Helen Brittain
Teaching Awards 2008 Winner
The Guardian Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School in East Midlands
William Farr CE Comprehensive School, LINCOLN
It has been said of Helen Brittain by colleagues that “she lives to teach”. Those who have passed through her classroom certainly never forget her. One parent recalled how her 31-year-old daughter insisted that her former “best teacher ever in the whole world, the universe and space” be invited to her wedding. She said both of her grown-up children still felt Helen’s “magic, understanding and compassion”, long after leaving school.
Helen has embraced the mantra of “Every Child Matters” throughout her 20 years at William Farr School, and has been heard to say “if every child didn't matter then what have I been here for, for all these years?” Not surprisingly, she was elected by the students of William Farr School to be nominated for the Teaching Awards 2008.
Growing up as a child in Iran, Helen brings a different perspective to teaching and understanding young people. Her wealth of knowledge and experience provide level and open debates in her teaching of, for example, the Arab-Israeli conflict to GCSE students, giving students a fresh look at life.
She believes in making everyone feel accepted and proud of what they have achieved, celebrating success with small, personal gifts and at home, with her annual 'Garden Party' and barbecue for A-level students.
Helen knows each child not only by name, but also by their personalities. She holds lunchtime and after-school sessions where she sees pupils on an individual basis, to help with personal, as well as learning problems.
Helen works hard to collaborate with the other departments to boost pupils’ learning experiences. In the past year, she has organised a trip to Germany to learn about the Holocaust, in collaboration with the English department, as well as visits to museums and other places of interest around the country. She is known for her charity work, and contributes cakes for sale in fund-raising activities.
Paul Strong, the headteacher, said Helen was “undoubtedly one of the most innovative, creative and dedicated educationalists it has been my privilege to work with in the 40 years I have been a teacher.”
