Outstanding new teacher of the year Christopher Harte was congratulated by the teacher training agency (TTA) today.

Mr Harte, who teaches modern languages at St Robert of Newminster RC school in Washington,Tyneand Wear, was selected from thirteen regional winners from across the UK. BBC sports presenter Hazel Irvine presented the award when she made a surprise visit during a school assembly.

Mr Harte – who, judges said, “lives his job and improves the education on offer for every pupil he teaches.” - was also honoured at the National Teaching Awards ceremony, hosted by Eammon Holmes and shown live on BBC 2 last night.

A prize package of cash and equipment worth £25,000 for his school, was presented by Professor Sir Brian Follett, Chair of the teacher training agency, which sponsored the award as part of its drive to recruit more able and committed people into teaching.

Mr Harte said:

I was attracted to a career in teaching after working with children who had learning difficulties and spending time in France working as a languages assistant. I really enjoyed connecting with the children and opening up other people’s understanding and love of languages.

Every day is different and I love the interaction with people that the job offers. Being able to engage with children and watch them develop is incredibly rewarding. The more energy you put into the job the more you get out.

Three years on it’s fantastic to be able to see the impact you have had on a child you taught a couple of years ago, and the way they have broadened their horizons.’

TTA Chair Sir Brian said:

All the evidence suggests that recent cohorts of new teachers are the best ever: so congratulations to Christopher Harte and all new teachers.

The TTA is particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Award for Outstanding New Teacher because we know that the next generation of teachers is critical to the success of our children and young people.’

The TTA aims to recruit around 40,000 people into teacher training each year. Trainees may be entitled to financial incentives. For information on routes into teaching visit the TTA Website Teach or for personal advice from trained consultants call 0845 6000 991 (-992 Welsh speakers; minicom: 01245 454343)

Notes to editors

The teacher training agency was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to raise standards by attracting able and committed people to teaching, and by improving the quality of training for teachers and the wider school workforce.

The teacher training agency is sponsor of the award for Outstanding New Teacher. The teaching awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust; for further details or to make a nomination for 2005 visit the Teaching Awards website.

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email: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

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