YorkMix Hero Awards – Meet the finalists for the Teacher of the Year award

Time to meet some more real-life heroes – our finalists for the Teacher of the Year award!

We wanted to hear nominations for teachers who have gone above and beyond over the past 18 months.

But we still need your help! Head over to the YorkMix Hero Awards page to vote in our People’s Choice Award – which shortlisted organisation do you think deserves to be recognised?

Keep reading to meet our fantastic finalists…

The Teacher of the Year award is sponsored by WorkwithSchools.

The Hero Awards ceremony will take place at the Principal York on Friday 8 October.

With thanks to our awards supporters!

Meet the finalists…

Mr Sam Smart – Haxby Road

Mr Sam Smart is a member of the Inclusion and Wellbeing team at Haxby Road school.

One person who nominated him said, “Mr Smart helped my son and my family in more ways than I could explain.

“My son has autism and struggled greatly with mainstream school. They built a lovely relationship together which made my son feel safe and secure in school.

“He always went above and beyond to make sure my son had everything he needed.

“In the three years we have known Mr Smart I have never once felt judged, rushed or not listened to.

“Everyone with autism just wants to be understood and accepted for who they are… and my son has certainly found that with Mr Smart.”

Miss Jenna Strain/Mr Steve Morton – Selby High

PE teachers Miss Jenna Strain and Mr Steve Morton from Selby High created the Selby Community Challenge – an initiative to bring the community together in an active way through lockdown.

The challenge involved people logging their daily activity, whether it was walking, running or cycling and log their miles to travel around the world – via the seven wonders of the world.

The community came together and smashed the challenge – with over 1,000 people taking part to cover 38,000 miles.

Someone who nominated them said, “The daily commitment and time dedicated to making this a success was truly inspiring to all.

“The two very respected teachers are well known for going beyond the norm and striving for the very best for their pupils.”

Mrs Vicki Mitchinson – Poppleton Ousebank

Mrs Vicki Mitchinson is the Vice Principal of Poppleton Ousebank primary school.

One person who nominated Vicki said, “She wears a red cape to work every day.

“What makes her the greatest boss in my eyes is the support she constantly gives staff and families of Poppleton Ousebank school.”

During lockdown, she called all the staff and families and helped put families who were struggling in touch with food banks.

“We are very lucky to have her and she has such a big heart. She is one of the reasons that Poppleton Ousebank is a great place to work.”

Congratulations to all of our finalists!

The winner of the Teacher of the Year award will be revealed in our Hero Awards ceremony at the Principal York on 8th October.

A big thank you to all our awards sponsors.