A WIRRAL teacher has been honoured for outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children she works with.

Rebecca Spence, who works at West Kirby School and College, is one of 80 Pearson National Teaching Award Silver Award winners nationally.

Rebecca's award for outstanding new teacher of the year for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children she works with every day.

Rebecca started work at West Kirby School and College in 2016 as a teaching assistant whilst still studying at university.

She has continued to progress in her personal development by working full time to become an English teacher and went on to become English lead and Autism Accreditation lead.

She helps support support the most complex and most challenged pupils in education. She completed her NQT year during 2019/20 whilst balancing challenges with Covid and lockdowns, which had a significant impact on pupils with additional needs.

During lockdown, Rebecca's universally popular remote lessons responded to the strengths and needs of all pupils. She adapted lessons to meet complex needs using her excellent understanding of her pupils.

As a curriculum lead and class teacher, Rebecca has reformed the English curriculum. She sets high expectations that enthuse and challenge pupils and inspire colleagues.

She's developed an autistic-friendly environment, systems and routines to support pupils and continues to pass this knowledge onto colleagues.

As a Silver Award winner, Rebecca has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards later in the year.

Recognition of this once in a lifetime achievement will be broadcast on the BBC's The One Show as part of a week-long celebration of teaching, which sees famous faces honour award winners every night in the run up to the ceremony.

The Silver Award winners are being honoured as part of the wider celebrations for national 'Thank a teacher day', bringing together everyone across the country to celebrate the schools and colleges at the heart of our communities.Rebecca

"It's a true honour and privilege to be awarded the Silver award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, I am still trying to process it all!

"I wouldn't be where I am today without the help and support of my wonderful colleagues at West Kirby School.

"Although my teaching career is only just starting, I feel I have learnt so much already and I am excited to continue my journey and see where it takes me.

Miss Sian Thomas, Principal said: "Rebecca doesn't know or realise just how wonderful she is.

"Her perception is that she is 'just getting on with the job', doing it because she absolutely wants the best for the children and she lives and breathes that every day."

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 23rd year of celebrating our school teaching staff across the UK.

Sharon Hague, managing director of Schools at Pearson UK, said: "Congratulations to the Silver Award winners on their incredible achievement, they should all feel very proud of themselves. I am delighted that we can take this opportunity to say how much we appreciate all that you do for the young people in your care."