Celebrate fantastic teachers

OLDHAMERS are being urged to celebrate transformational teachers.

The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) says as schoolchildren we often don't take time to thank teachers, or realise the encouragement provided and the influence they have.

Celebrities are kick-starting the initiative to say a simple 'thank you' to a special teacher who encouraged, inspired or supported them during their school years.

Their Get Into Teaching campaign aims to demonstrate the difference teachers contribute to show prospective recruits the rewards of a teaching career.

Kelly Hoppen, interior designer and star of Dragons' Den, said: "I had a truly amazing music teacher at school who supported me in ways I couldn't imagine."

For involvement in the Thank a Teacher campaign, post on Twitter or Instagram stating which teacher they would like to thank and why ­- using the hashtag: #thankateacher.

Teaching award winners will be invited to the UK ceremony, televised by the BBC. For more information go to http://www.teachingawards.com.