William Ransom School Teacher wins Primary School Teacher of the Year!

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E2BN is proud to announce that one of our teachers in the region has just collected the primary School Teacher of the year award.

Steve Mills wears many hats at William Ransom Primary School in Hitchin Hertfordshire. He is deputy head, class teacher, ICT expert, sports coach and governor, to name but a few - and the only male teacher in the school. But he is also well-known for his collection of ties, particularly the colourful ones he wears at Christmas-time to the delight of the children and colleagues!

This is what Mary Driver said about him in the nomination.

"From the minute pupils walk into Steve's classroom they are in no doubt what is expected of them. The whole environment is exciting and busy. He has these two phrases on his door ‘Imagination is the preview of life's coming attractions' and ‘The harder you work the luckier you get!' These alongside his Manchester City sign leave no-one in any doubt what sort of a teacher he is. He is an inspirational teacher who embraces all the latest technology as well as using those tried and tested methods that he knows work.

Steve is an exciting, motivating and dynamic teacher. His pupils describe him as ‘great fun', but Steve is more than that. He seeks every opportunity to make the learning environment exciting and engaging. He never ‘churns out the same lessons', he is always looking for new ways to present the curriculum so that the pupils understand why they are learning as well as what they are learning.

Steve prides himself in his presentation and in the way he is perceived by all those around him. He has never had a day off sick - in fact has not missed a day of school or work since he was 10 years old!
Self esteem is very important to Steve; he believes it is what motivates everyone. Therefore he works unstintingly to raise the self esteem of every pupil in his class. He knows all their needs and capabilities. He knows what motivates and de-motivates them all.

Steve is aware of the needs of all the pupils in his class and adapts his teaching style accordingly. All of the pupils in his class make exceptional progress. This is evidenced in tracking sheets used through the school and most clearly in the grids which show the classes where children make the most progress. His planning is exemplary and shows great thought into the individual needs of every pupil. There is evidence of differentiation showing how he meets all needs. He also has a detailed support plan for teaching assistants to ensure all know what their focus is for the lesson, thus maximising the time spent with pupils.
With Steve, every child really does matter and every lesson counts!"

Congratulations Steve from E2BN.