Mrs Debbie Abbott

Teaching Awards 2008 Winner

The BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School in North East and Cumbria

Portobello Primary School, CHESTER LE STREET

The only person at Portobello Primary School who does not think Debbie Abbott is fantastic is Debbie herself! This modest and dedicated teacher is too busy thinking up new ways to make her lessons engaging and fun to spend time pondering her influence on pupils.

But they really love the way that she makes it easy to learn, and the way that she sets out their classroom in a way that inspires and supports them. They say their work is “just right”, and perfectly suited to where they are – not too easy, and not too hard.

Debbie loves to dress up and might turn herself into a friendly cat who is good at explaining difficult ideas, or Little Red Naughty Hood, who helps them with their literacy. Her classroom is vibrant with colourful displays, and she often leads her class in laughing and singing.

However, despite the fun, Debbie’s classroom is calm and orderly, and her pupils know that she expects them to work hard so that they can make good progress. To help with this, she makes sure that all her pupils get personalised attention, and builds close relationships with them by letting them know her as a person as well as a teacher. All her pupils know Debbie’s favourite shop is Matalan and that she has a serious interest in shoes!

Parents praise the way she turns their children on to learning. “When he started in her class he started to love school and learning,” says a mother whose Year Three son used only to be interested in football.

Debbie has developed the range of musical activities that pupils are involved with by organising concerts and outings, and extending her skills by training in school leadership. She also finds time to be a school governor.

Message Board

Please leave a messsage for Mrs Debbie Abbott

• Best teacher in the North East!!!

  Congratulations Debbie- i knew you would win it!

  Posted: June 18, 2008 at 18:06 PM | Author: Joanne Williams

• Star!!!

  Debbie you're a star. Always have been and always will be! Very well done. Congratulations! xx

  Posted: June 19, 2008 at 03:06 AM | Author: Amanda Ball

• family friend

  You probably won't remember Debbie but I was a close friend of your Mum and Dad and still keep in contact with your Dad who told me last week about your award. Many congratulations your Mum would have been so proud. Your love of shoes made me laugh as your Mum loved shoes also. With best wishes. Doreen and Alex

  Posted: June 22, 2008 at 21:06 PM | Author: Doreen & Alex Bush

• Top marks, 10/10, A* !!!

  Debbie - I'm so pleased you have been recognised with this award. Top of the class! It's teachers like you that kids will thank later on for taking the L out of Learning. xxx

  Posted: July 5, 2008 at 13:07 PM | Author: Rosie Dalton-Lucas

• Congratulations Debbie.

  Being Debbie's Dad I was'nt sure that it would be considered good taste or the correct etiquette to comment on her success as it may sound biased. But then why should it? When it's the truth that Debbie is a dedicated, sincere and conscientious teacher who works very hard to bring the best out of every pupil in her class.Her goals are to inspire confidence, to encourage and expand each pupils capabilities to enable them to make the most of the oppertunities they will have in the future.She considers it a privalage to be a part of each puplis life when they are in her class and nothing pleases her more than their success. Sadley her Mam is not with us .When I think of her Mam [Maria] I feel that the words that expressed Maria's life also expresses Debbie's . That she makes the lives of all those who meet her the happier for it .

  Posted: July 16, 2008 at 21:07 PM | Author: Debbie's Dad.

• WE ARE PROUD FOR YOU AND SIMON

  Well done Debbie, the hours you work and your dedication from day one is a true example to all teachers. You have been able to carry out your work with the full support of your husband which also displays what a good team the two of you make. Congratulations, you have worked very hard. Margaret & Brian

  Posted: September 20, 2008 at 00:09 AM | Author: Brian & Margaret Abbott

• YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE

  Well done Debbie, this is only what you have deserved from your first day. You are dedicated to your beliefs and have the full support of your husband Simon, you are a great team. Congratulations, you deserve your award and we hope it goes national. Margaret & Brian

  Posted: September 20, 2008 at 23:09 PM | Author: Brian & Margaret Abbott

• DEBBIE - ONLY WHAT YOU DESERVE

  Well done Debbie, it is only what you deserve. From your very first day you have commited to 'your children'. You have worked hard and long hours with the full support of your husband Simon, you make a first class team. Congratulations, good luck for the future, it is only what you deserve. Brian & Margaret

  Posted: September 22, 2008 at 23:09 PM | Author: Brian & Margaret Abbott

• What a star!

  Congratulations Debbie on your well deserved achievement. We are all so proud of you here at Portobello Primary School. You make learning such fun, children in your class love coming to school. You also contribute a great deal to the success of our whole school. Your energy and creativity is an inspiration to everyone who works with you!

  Posted: October 16, 2008 at 09:10 AM | Author: Angela Charlton

• Congratulations

  Well done Debbie for getting this far. You are a very special teacher and we are glad to have you with all your fun and enthusiasm, at Portobello. Have a brilliant weekend! Andrew

  Posted: October 16, 2008 at 20:10 PM | Author: Andrew Spencer

• Debbie - our star!

  Good luck Debbie, have a lovely day. You have such patience with the children who have learning difficulties. I hope you win!

  Posted: October 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM | Author: Sue Stitt

• Have a wonderful time!

  Have a fantastic time Debbie, we will all be thinking of you and keeping our fingers crossed. You truly deserve it. Lots of love Cara xxx

  Posted: October 17, 2008 at 17:10 PM | Author: Cara Smith

• Congratulations Debbie!

  You deserve ths award for all your hard work! Congratulations and have a fantastic weekend. Chris.

  Posted: October 17, 2008 at 19:10 PM | Author: Christine O'Halloran

• Best wishes!

  Best wishes for the ceremony in London. Congratulations and good luck!

  Posted: October 19, 2008 at 16:10 PM | Author: Vickki Dempsey