Chance to reward a star of the classroom in Leeds

As the school year draws to a close we want you to nominate this year’s most inspiring teachers. Tell us who you think has made a massive difference to you or your child’s life or gone the extra mile to contribute to a school.

And as a special thank you we have a £100 voucher for Frankie and Benny’s at The Light and a £50 voucher for White Rose Shopping Centre for the winner. Tell us in no more than 150 words why you think your or your child’s teacher is so special. Alternatively you may work at a school and want to enter a teacher who has gone above and beyond.

Steven Foster, general manager at White Rose Shopping Centre, said:

“White Rose is delighted to offer a gift card for Leeds’ best teacher. At the end of each school year we see lots of local children buying our gift cards for their teachers as a thank you. We think a £50 card will be a great gift for one extra special teacher.”

Last year’s winner was Sheila Howarth, who specialises in helping ‘hard to reach’ youngsters at Leeds City Academy. Former pupils wrote in to tell us how her belief in them helped them turn their lives around.

“Some students come here from abroad with little or no English but with nurturing and help they leave the school with good grades and go onto college and university. I am proud to be part of that journey. I have a big heart and all the pupils belong in it. I am here as their protector, guardian and friend,” said Sheila after winning in 2015.

Among those who nominated her was Portuguese lawyer Neidi Campino, who learned English and improved his behaviour with Sheila’s help. He now works in the oil industry in Angola.

All entries must be received by June 20 and should be emailed to [email protected]. Usual Johnston Press terms and conditions apply. Entries by children under 18 must include parental consent.