Type=image;ImageID=13365;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Leah McClure, Biology Teacher of the Year;TitleClass=strong;
Leah McClure scooped the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award after being nominated by pupils from Colton Hills Community School.
The Royal Society of Biology award celebrates the very best and most inspiring biology teachers in 11 to 18 education in the UK and Leah said: "I am genuinely honoured to have won this award.
"I am incredibly lucky to have taught a multitude of amazing students, many of whom have inspired me on a daily basis, and to work alongside fantastic colleagues.
"Biology teaching, for me, is all about engaging students with the amazing world around them and the Biology Teacher of the Year award is a wonderful way of celebrating the hard work of biology teachers everywhere."
Headteacher Alberto Otero said: "Leah has been an important part of the success of Colton Hills and considering the dedication she shows to students and staff, this award is well deserved. As with so many other staff, this shows the calibre of the team of professionals we have at Colton Hills."
Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I'd like to congratulate Leah on this richly deserved award. Great teachers like Leah have a long term positive influence on their students, filling them with enthusiasm, widening their knowledge and skills and raising their aspirations."
Chair of the judging panel, Dr Mark Winterbottom CBiol FRSB, said: "Leah's biology teaching instils joy and passion into her students. Her deep commitment to individual students is very clear, making them feel important, and building in them perseverance, and a strong work ethic.
"Through her love of biology, Leah expertly engages and inspires her pupils to work hard and be the best they can be."
Leah, who has been teaching for seven years and is Head of Science at Colton Hills, received her award at a ceremony in London recently. Prizes include £500 worth of Oxford University Press resources for Colton Hills and a year's membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
- released: Wednesday 19 July, 2017