HIGHLAND HEROES 2024: Primary Teacher of the year winner
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Education plays an incredibly important part in every community, and school staff has has a delicate and vital role to play in every child's development.
Recognising those who go above and beyond in this task can help the schools and individuals thrive and motivate them to keep up the great work.
"It is always great to know that you are having a positive impact on your pupils," said Beth Fuller, winner of last year's Primary Teacher of the year at the last edition of Highland Heroes.
"It is always encouraging to know that this is appreciated by the parents and wider school community."
A teacher at Muirtown Primary in Inverness, Ms Fuller was accompanied by her colleagues on the awards nights as the school scooped the Primary School of the Year award too.
"My parents also joined us on the night, so it was a really special evening to all be able to able to celebrate together," she continued.
"Winning the Highland Heroes Award for Teacher of the Year was an incredible moment which I will never forget and an accolade that I will always reflect upon with pride."
Driving on digital innovation in the school
Ms Fuller was praised for her key role in the school's digital transformation, since the pandemic forced a shift to online learning.
"We have always been a school that has used digital technology to enhance the teaching and learning within our classrooms and recognise this importance of digital skills for life, learning and work," she explained.
"We are in the process of launching our digital skills award scheme within our classrooms. Currently, I am exploring a variety of AI software, and examining the ways it can be used to enhance teaching and learning, and as an assistive technology. We know that a digital world comes with many risks as well as opportunities.
"As such, online safety is also a central feature within our school. We have Digital Leaders who take responsibility for researching and sharing digital updates and top safety tips with the pupils at assemblies."
Pupils are 'at the heart of everything we do'
Ms Fuller added that they are lucy to have an extremely supportive community, dedicated staff and incredible pupils
"The pupils are always our motivation and everything we do at Muirtown is centred around what will have the greatest impact for them.
"This motivation underpins the ethos and values of our school. We continue to be innovative in our practice because we know that this helps to make our teaching more engaging, accessible, inclusive and meaningful for our learners."
Vote for the heroes in your community
She encouraged people to nominate their heroes for next year's awards.
She said: "There are so many people who go above and beyond in their day-to-day life to make a positive impact for others. It feels so special to have that impact recognised and I know that there are so many people out there who deserve it!"
Nominations for Highland Heroes 2024 are now open, and you can name your community heroes across various categories online until December 17.
