ANNA-Marie Rooney, from Our Lady of Mt Carmel

First School Academy

in Redditch, was the winner of the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award.

The award celebrates

the most outstanding and dedicated teacher among Worcestershire’s educators, and was one of the

most hotly contested

categories in this year’s awards.

Mrs Rooney said: “I’m overwhelmed and lost for words.

“I love it at Mount Carmel and what I love most

about it is that it isn’t just another school, it is a real family.

“I absolutely love it here and can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Mrs Rooney, 37 has been in education for the last 15 years, and said she did not expect to be nominated or make it to the final.

She said: “Just getting a nomination was massive so I can’t quite believe it.

“Like everyone at

Mt Carmel, I don’t do this for awards or praise, we all just come in and do our jobs every day.

“I love this job so much and with great pupils, staff and parents supporting me it makes the job so much easier to do.”

The Teacher of the Year Award was presented by Councillor Marcus

Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills.

Introducing Mrs Rooney, award guest speaker, journalist Rob Stokes said:

“Anna-Marie is a perfect example of what a good teacher is.

“Someone who goes above and beyond to ensure her pupils get the most out

of their education.

“She is an inspiration to her colleagues and

pupils, and thoroughly

deserves this award recognition.”