Teacher of the Year: Jo Atkinson

A DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER who goes ‘above and beyond’ in her job has been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award. Jo Atkinson of Elizabeth College’s Acorn House has been described as a true superstar and a fantastic leader for the school by her nominator for the HSBC-backed award, Eleanor Saunders.

A DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER who goes ‘above and beyond’ in her job has been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award.

Jo Atkinson of Elizabeth College’s Acorn House has been described as a true superstar and a fantastic leader for the school by her nominator for the HSBC-backed award, Eleanor Saunders.

Ms Saunders said: ‘Both my boys have gone through Acorn House/Beechwood and Jo always goes above and beyond to make all the children feel at ease on a day to day basis,’ adding that this became particularly true on the children’s return to school during the pandemic when a lot of children were nervous about the unknown.

‘She is always patient and engaging with the children and they all love her,’ she added.

‘She is especially good at talking to them in a way that makes them feel special and a real individual and she embraces their differences and above all makes them laugh.

‘During the return to school she greeted each child individually and really helped those that were concerned to relax and ensure their fears were allayed.

‘She is an inspiration to our children and is always engaging and positive – she is truly a superstar.’