Pride of Guernsey: Karen Thompson, Luke Smith and Charlotte Smart

THREE teachers at the Karen Dempsey School of Dance have been nominated for this year’s Pride of Guernsey Teacher of The Year Award.

Karen Thompson, who runs the company, was nominated for the award along with two other teachers at the school, Luke Smith and Charlotte Smart.

Nominator Samantha Tostevin said: ‘I think all three of these amazing teachers need nominating for an award as they all bring out the best in the students they teach.

‘They really do go that extra mile to make sure all of the students get the chance to perform in such a wonderful, kind, caring and all-inclusive dance school.’

Mrs Tostevin said the school is a fantastic place for children to learn to dance, make friends and grow in confidence.

Her daughter has been dancing there since she was two-and-a-half years old and 11 years later is still loving it.

‘Karen, Luke and Charlotte always work with the children so well, they know their strengths to enable them to perform to the best of their ability, also noting areas where they struggle and arrange times to go over things if needed,’ Mrs Tostevin said.

‘The support they have given her to grow into such a supportive team member always caring for others and helping where needed is something we will treasure forever.’

She said the three teachers help nurture and inspire their students to work to the best of their abilities – and Luke has helped her with adult tap classes and has been patient while she learns.