Teacher of the year: Rebekah Kellow

A WOMAN described as a figure of relentless optimism at the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre has been nominated as HSBC Teacher of the Year. As well as teaching psychology and sociology, Rebekah Kellow is a special education needs coordinator for the school.

A WOMAN described as a figure of relentless optimism at the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre has been nominated as HSBC Teacher of the Year.

As well as teaching psychology and sociology, Rebekah Kellow is a special education needs coordinator for the school.

She was nominated by one student, Jaime Sarre, 18, who said she always focused on achieving what is best for every student.

‘The pandemic was an unexpected boundary I did not think I would have to face,’ she said.

‘Fortunately there were teachers like Miss Kellow to help in this challenging time – she was a light in a really dark time that would have been a lot different if not for her support.’

Jaime was inspired to study education, special needs and disability at university in September because of Miss Kellow’s work.

‘Having seen all the work she does behind the scenes in school really motivated me to want to do something similar.

‘I hope that one day I have the opportunity to have the same impact on someone as she has had on me.’