A Sunderland teacher who has been described as a “shining example of outstanding teaching” has been named Teacher of the Year.

Laura Laverick, of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, in Ryhope Colliery, has been awarded primary school Teacher of the Year at the fifth Chadwick Celebration Awards at Ramside Hall Hotel.

Organised by the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, Laura was nominated as “an inspiring teacher” whose “passion and enthusiasm have transformed the lives of the pupils she teaches”.

Her nomination read: “She delivers an engaging, innovative curriculum tailored to every learner, anticipating their needs and ensuring they feel valued, supported and capable.

Laura Laverick, of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, in Ryhope Colliery, has been awarded primary school Teacher of the Year at the fifth Chadwick Celebration Awards. Photo credit Dave Charnley.

placeholder image — Laura Laverick, of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, in Ryhope Colliery, has been awarded primary school Teacher of the Year at the fifth Chadwick Celebration Awards. Photo credit Dave Charnley.

“Laura pours her whole self into her pupils, investing her own time, energy and resources to give them the very best.

"Her relationships with pupils, families and colleagues are built on warmth, trust and genuine care.

“In four years, she has become the heart of her classroom and a shining example of outstanding teaching.”

Laura first heard she had been nominated back in May and said it was a “big surprise”.

She said: “I was very shocked and felt quite overwhelmed and a little bit emotional that someone had taken the time out of their day to nominate me and say such kind things.”

Laura continued: “I try to make the classroom a place where every child can enjoy the same experiences – regardless of their different backgrounds – create equity and give the children something a little bit different.”

Laura enjoys introducing books her son, now 12, has read or enjoyed “that might be a little bit out of the ordinary”.

She said: “I went into teaching later in life than some of my colleagues and my son was just starting reception as I qualified, so I think I took his lead on a lot of things and that’s really fed into everything I’ve done.”

A number of teaching staff across Sunderland also won awards, including Sophie Barnfather, of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, who won the Living the Gospel Award.

Sarah McKeown, of St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy, was awarded the Guiding Light Award alongside assistant headteacher Laura Dudley, who won the Leadership and Management Award.

St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School’s Laura Bolam was then awarded Staff Member of the Year Award.