THREE teachers making a difference in their students' lives are finalists for Secondary Teacher of the Year at this tomorow's 2022 Education Awards.

The award, sponsored by LocaliQ, will be one of nine presented at the Education Awards, tomorrow evening at Bradford Hotel.

Adrianna Joy, Bingley Grammar School

A TEACHER at a Bradford school has spoken about how her business has helped a number of students and parents to get through the pandemic Adrianna Joy is a secondary school teacher at Bingley Grammar School and is also a primary and secondary teacher at the Edco which is a business she runs.

Adrianna said: “We set the company up in 2018 and during the pandemic and just before we wanted to include the community a little bit more so we did some arts sessions and for some pupils it would be like free arts classes to try and helps kids in our local community who can’t quite afford things.

“During the pandemic, we did help online.

She said during this time she ran her business at a loss but she forged on because she said the service she provided was “basically helping a lot of kids”.

“I had a lot of parents who I’d help on the phone, do a quick Zoom or Face Time who didn’t understand the kids’ homework and the children we’re getting frustrated, so we did quite a bit of help with that.

On being nominated for the award, Adrianna said: “It’s a privilege to be honest, so thank you.”

Adam Ewbank, Ilkley Grammar School

A TEACHER who likes helping and setting challenges for students has also built a good rapport with his colleagues at Ilkley Grammar School.

Adam Ewbank, physical education teacher at Ilkley Grammar School, said: “I like to make sure that every student is adequately challenged but also making sure a challenge is tailored to suit them.

“Sometimes I may have students who have additional needs or are, potentially, just struggling with an activity and I always like to help them get a sense of achievement and fulfilment from the lesson.

“I enjoyed making links, not only with students but staff as well. I’ve opened up the staff football team again, so I’ve got a real sense of pride in my work and it’s a nice working environment.”

One of his students said: “In Mr Ewbank’s PE lessons, he’s really nice and he always helps you out whenever you have any queries of what you’re doing. His lessons are among the most engaging ones in school.

Another student added: “I think he’s an amazing teacher, especially as he’s just come through in the past few years. He really helped me build some new opportunities.

“He’s a great teacher and a really nice person as well.”

Wayne Woodhead, Hanson School

A TEACHER who has dealt with hardships in his life has taken to a role in a school helping students overcome adversity.

Wayne Woodhead, a behavioural support teacher at Hanson School who has been the job 10 months, said: “I used to be a supervisor for 26 years in a glass company. I got made redundant there.

“I got a job here as a part-time mini-bus driver to start with and then I got into the outreach at Hanson School looking after kids who have had a few problems and don’t like attending school.”

In addition to helping students, Wayne has helped his colleagues as well.

“Going forward with the behavioural support team and the pastoral team, Iwalk the corridors day to day, helping teachers and occasionally I’ll have the odd individual ask for personal help which I quite enjoy.

“Every day is different, it’s a challenge, it’s enjoyable and the response from some of the kids is good. When you get a thank you and a smile, it’s worth it.”

Wayne has also had a personal tragedy He said: “Over the last two years my wife’s been fighting cancer and in January she got given three months to live. It’s took my mind off a lot of it and she’s encouraged me as well. She recently passed away and it’s given me something to focus on.”