Two Leicestershire teachers have clinched prestigious regional awards for their dedication and commitment to the profession.
Nisha Kholia, a science teacher from Rushey Mead School, in Leicester, has won the secondary school teacher of the year category, and Pauline Guy from St Cuthberts Primary School, in Great Glen, has scooped teaching assistant of the year in the Midlands round of the Pearson Teaching Awards.
The pair will now go to the awards final in London in October where they will mingle with a star-studded line up of guests yet to be announced.
The awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching to recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of young people.
Nisha Kholia was nominated by Rushey Mead principal Carolyn Robson and a group of students, including Pooja Devani, 18.
Pooja, who is studying all three science subjects at Loughborough High School, is a former pupil at Rushey Mead.
She said: "Nisha has such a passion for her subject and although she didn't directly teach me, she was always approachable and helped me during her lunchtimes and after school. She really inspired me to take my own love of science further and thanks to her I managed to win a scholarship to study my A-Levels at Loughborough High School.
"This award is thoroughly deserved for her commitment."
A shocked Pauline was put forward by St Cuthberts head teacher Anne Burbidge, who said she was a "phenomenal support" to all those around her.
Mrs Burbidge said: "She works tirelessly to ensure that the provision for the children in her care is of a consistently high quality. Her background in science means that she has a special ability to engage all the children in her care and she makes learning fun.
"Pauline is always looking to the future and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's a conscientious, dedicated member of staff and highly respected by everyone who works with her."
A stunned Pauline, 45, who has worked as a teaching assistant at the school for the past two years, said: "It's overwhelming. To have such recognition for the work that I do is fantastic.
"I love working with the children and other staff - I get lots of enjoyment out of it, but I never expected I could ever win something like this.
"I'm really looking forward to the ceremony in London. I think I'll have to get a new outfit for that."
The pair will now join fellow winners at the UK final on October 20, which will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC.
Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: "We want to recognise and support inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation.
It's really important that we create opportunities to say thank you."
More than 24,000 nominations were received for the 2013 awards from across the UK.
Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson is president of the teaching awards.
She said: "I owe so much of what I've done to my fantastic teachers at school and university so it's exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all."
