The Secondary Teacher of the Year Award has been sponsored by Craven College

Nadine Hirst, Bradford Academy

NADINE Hirst has been teaching in Bradford schools for almost 30 years, and has been a drama teacher at Bradford Academy for 12 of those years.
She was nominated for the Secondary Teacher of the Year award by fellow teacher Steve Walker and student Donna Henderson. Donna said: “Not only is she a teacher, and a great one at that, she is also a friend and confidante to many people, staff and learners. 
“She is an amazing person who goes above and beyond with all students, pushing them to achieve their best and do well no matter what.”
Mr Walker said: “She has worked at the school for 12 years and produced, directed and arranged a variety of fully inclusive performances which truly reflect the Academy’s diverse community and range of abilities. She never fails to ignite the imagination of the cast, crew and audience. Her passion and enthusiasm for her subject is evident from the moment you walk into her classroom. She provides challenge and helps them find their inner performer.”
Mrs Hirst said: “I love being with the children, you can’t beat it.
“They keep me young, they keep me alive and going.
“This is recognition that the job is more than just imparting knowledge to the children.”

Sajeela Shah, Bingley Grammar

SAJEELA Shah, a religious studies teacher at Bingley Grammar School, was nominated for the Secondary Teacher of the Year Award by staff at her school.
She says she burst into tears when she found out about making the shortlist.
Her recent work at the school has included building a close relationship with Holocaust survivor Arek Hersh, taking students to an exhibition about Anne Frank at Kala Sangam, organising a school-wide EU referendum and creating a school version of Amnesty International.
She also led the school’s Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award. 
Mrs Shah said: “When I heard I’d been nominated I burst out crying. 
“I do the job because I’m passionate about it. I do it so the students know they have a voice, and to do positive things with that voice, as well as increasing their confidence.
“To be nominated for what I do is really overwhelming and humbling.”
Althea Kennett, a member of staff at the school, described her as a “passionate” teacher, adding: “Each year students are given an opportunity to thank staff and she received a record number of postcards of thanks.”
Student Masoomah Ahmed said: “She is so inspirational. She has definitely, 100 per cent, changed my life.”

Zaheer Jaffary, Carlton Bolling College

ZAHEER Jaffary, who helped set up a girls’ cricket team at Carlton Bolling College just over two years ago, was nominated for Secondary Teacher of the Year award by his school.
Mr Jaffary’s coaching has led the team, many of whom had never previously played the game, to a string of achievements including 2015 Yorkshire under-13 indoor county champions and the 2016 Yorkshire under-15 outdoor county champions. Three girls now play for Yorkshire. 
He is now also a Sunday coach at Yorkshire County Cricket club and has coached the boys who are now Bradford under-15 indoor and outdoor Cricket Champions. 
He has also played a major role in plans for a Cricket Academy which will open at the school this year. 
After hearing he had made the shortlist, Mr Jaffary said: “I’m very honoured. It still hasn’t really sunk in, but I’m very excited by it.”
The nomination from the school said: “This success has been achieved despite the girls facing significant cultural barriers, primarily some parents who feel their daughters should not be taking part in sport. 
“To manage this Zaheer has met with parents and discussed their concerns, He has proven successful on each occasion.”