Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

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Glenda Cumberland, Ben Rhydding Primary School

ACTRESS turned teacher Glenda Cumberland has been shortlisted for Nursery/Primary teacher of the Year for her “compassion and enthusiasm” working at Ben Rhydding Primary School.
She was nominated by former colleague Alison Carrick, who said: “Glenda is the most committed, passionate and enthusiastic teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Her determination to go the extra mile is phenomenal.
“Her desire to be the best she can be and her determination to learn from others is astounding. She sees everything as possible, is so positive and has such a ‘can do’ approach to everything which made managing her a joy. Whist only working with her for six months we became firm friends, taking the relationship further when she established a joint venture with another school I was in to benefit all the pupils. Her creativity inspires others, pupils, colleagues and the wider community.
“As an interim head teacher I have worked with some inspirational teachers in the 20 years I have been teaching. 
“I can honestly say Glenda is amongst the very best I have had the opportunity to learn from and share the journey.” 
Mrs Cumberland said: “Every day there is a moment when you think ‘wow, this is the best job!’”

Nazrul Islam - Feversham Primary

NAZRUL Islam’s determination to return to teaching after two cancer scares earned him a nomination for the Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year Award.
Mr Islam is the senior school improvement leader at Feversham Primary in Barkerend, and has even won the school’s ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ because of his diplomatic and caring skills.
Mr Islam took a year-long break from teaching after his first battle with cancer, only for it to return in 2014, when he was diagnosed with cancer of the neck and thyroid. 
After getting three types of cancer, he had been advised not to teach, but wanted to return to the job he loved.
He said: “I feel very lucky to be here. 
“Just before I had the cancer I had applied for other deputy headship jobs but stayed here. 
“I feel very lucky to still be working here and doing the job that I am.”
He was nominated by Shakira Afzal, who pointed out the work he has done on a school business and enterprise project, which sees schoolchildren given £10 to start their own business.
She said: “It is a huge success and loved by the children and the community. 
“Thanks Naz, you are brilliant.”

Tom Van Der Gucht - Baildon C of E Primary School

TOM Van Der Gucht of Baildon CofE Primary School has been shortlisted for the Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year for his role in bringing cross-country running to the school.
He was nominated by colleague Matthew Holliday, who said: “At Baildon CE, cross-country running is at the very heart of the school with over 75 per cent of pupils improving their fitness and having fun during lunchtime clubs and 38 per cent of pupils in KS2 being selected to represent the school during the last 12 months. 
“For many children the pleasure of taking part in races and off-site runs are the highlights of their school year and it is for that, along with their continued levels of success and excellence that I would like to nominate Tom Van Der Gucht as teacher of the year.”
Mr Van Der Gucht said: “It is a great honour to be nominated. I’d like to think it’s due to the opportunities I’ve provided to children in Year 6. That year is the pinnacle of learning for children in primary school.
“In many ways it is their last chance to enjoy themselves and have a bit of freedom before they go to secondary school.
“Cross-country is a really big thing at the school. It is a really important sport to offer.”