Inspirational Moray teacher reflects on being awarded Moray and Banffshire primary teacher of the year

AN inspirational Lossiemouth teacher has reflected on how it felt to be named Primary Teacher of the Year at the annual Moray and Banffshire Heroes awards last year.

Emma Rose, a P1 teacher at Hythehill Primary was honoured at the award ceremony at Brodie Countryfare for her incredible work as a teacher and deaf education advocate. Emma, who also teaches British Sign Language (BSL) at UHI Moray, went above and beyond her role as teacher by working to teach the whole school to communicate in BSL.

Since winning the award last year Emma said: "The nomination and win was a complete and utter shock, I thought someone was playing a joke on me when I was nominated but I was really chuffed to know that a parent thought what I was doing was worth taking time to write that nomination.

"I work with a lot of people who are certainly deserving of an award, so it didn't feel real that someone had nominated me, when it came up on the screen that I had won, it took me a moment to realise it was me – it was such a surprise.

"I'm still surprised and so honoured, every time I look at the award I can't quite get my head round the fact that I won it and that people took the time to vote for me. I work with so many teachers who are just amazing every day and they're not being recognised, so the fact that I was was really nice."

Emma is now the acting principal teacher for sensory education services, working with deaf and blind children across Moray from pre-school age until sixth year. She said: "I've always been quite passionate about deaf education, I think everyone should do BSL. The new role is exciting and a bit of a challenge, I get to put my money where my mouth is a bit."

Emma's nomination said: "She is probably one of the most supportive and understanding teachers ever.

"She encourages British Sign Language use throughout the whole school and everyone responds incredibly well.

"She gently encourages the individuals who may not be keen to learn and does this in such a kind way that the pupils respect and understand.

With the approach of this year's Moray and Banffshire heroes awards, Emma was keen to point out how important it is to recognise teachers for their hard work.

She said: "It's nice and great for people to be able to nominate someone. Most teachers are doing the best they can do every day and that often goes unseen by the wider communities. What they are doing on a day to day for their individual students is outstanding, so the opportunity to get an award that recognises teachers is really nice."

Nominations have now opened for 2024's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.

Send your nominations by clicking here or visiting: www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes