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Burlington Danes Academy teacher Laura Stone has been named Inspirational Teacher of the Year in the Times Educational Supplement’s 2013 School Awards.

Laura, who was chosen ahead of five other nominees from all over the country was presented with her award at an Awards Luncheon on Friday July 5 ceremony at the Park Plaza in Westminster by host Dara O Briain.

The honour celebrates exceptional teachers who capture the imagination of their students.   

Laura, who is Head of of Geography at the Shepherd's Bush academy says: " It feels absolutely incredible. I feel very proud to receive such a tremendous accolade as both at BDA and across the country there are so many teachers making the same impact everyday."  

The passionate geographer, who loves to travel, gave up her job as a trekking guide seven years ago to work closely with children and hasn’t looked back.   

" I enjoy spending my day with children," she says. " I enjoy the challenges that this brings. So much of our day is reacting to the things that they say and do, which is never boring."  

Laura moved to Burlington Danes from Bristol in 2010 and since then has taught hundreds of students - an experience she has enjoyed immensely.   

She says: " I would just like to say thank you to all the staff and students at BDA who have been so supportive over the past three years, BDA is an incredible place to work and I feel very proud to be a part of it."   

Altan-Urel Purevdorj, a Sixth Form student, said that her conditional offer to study Geography at UCL is largely thanks to Laura.   " The three years that she taught me were the most splendid years of my student career. She has been such an inspiration to me and has shaped me into a passionate geographer," she says.

Laura says that her success as a teacher is mainly down to hard work and organisation. "It’s important to make sure that you have planned exciting and challenging lessons, so that once you are in the classroom you can focus on the learning. 

"I also think it is important to find ways to excite your students about your subject, to find the hook that makes them want to know more.  Having a sense of humour is also very useful!"   

Burlington Danes' announcement adds: " Needless to say, we are extremely proud of Miss Stone’s wonderful achievement. "

 

July 17, 2013