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Inspirational Teacher Shortlisted for County Education Award

Music teacher Ruth Reider has been shortlisted for Inspirational Teacher of the Year in the Evening Telegraph’s Proud of Education Awards.

She was nominated for her tireless enthusiasm and commitment to her students, along with the steps she has taken to develop the music department.

She has played a key role in building links with Intersales Music Teaching to offer a programme of peripatetic lessons that is right for students at KSA.

Miss Reider was put forward for the award by Head of House Hazel Dodd, who said: "Ruth just enthuses the students to want to do well. They genuinely enjoy being in her lessons and want to achieve. She uplifts everyone around her and she just gets on with things with a smile on her face.

"As a member of staff she has been graded outstanding by Ofsted and she is now a mentor to other staff, although she always has been.

"She will give up her time for any child and hers is the form that all students want to belong to."

Students agree - Claudia Barr (Year 7) said: "Miss Reider really relates to us. She is kind and makes our lessons fun. She's an amazing person too and is happy all the time."

Ellie Boyle, also Year 7, added: "She's always encouraging us and she makes learning fun. She helps us out all the time."

Miss Reider, who composes songs in her spare time, said that her love of music is one of the reasons she gets so much out of teaching.

"I was shocked when I found out I'd been shortlisted but also excited because it makes you realise how other people see you. Inspirational is a powerful word but it makes you hope that you have been supportive," she said.

"When I teach, I think about the experiences I had and the extra steps that people took with me. Everyone has got something special in them and it's just about finding it and helping students to find it.

"It helps that I love music so I enjoy seeing students realise that they can actually do something and seeing the glint in their eye."

All award finalists will attend a ceremony on July 11th at the Holiday Inn in Corby, when the winners will be announced. 

Miss Reider will join Year 11 student Bronwyn Ryan, who was nominated for the Unsung Hero award for her efforts in raising money for her house charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.