Primary Language Teacher Award 2009 finalists announced

Four finalists have been selected for the Scholastic and La Jolie Ronde Primary Language Teacher Award, now in its second year. Launched in February 2008, the award was the first of its kind to celebrate the best of Primary language teaching in the UK.

Helen Berry (from Salisbury Road Primary School, Plymouth), Gill Leicester (from Dean Valley Community Primary School, Bollington, Cheshire), Maria Martinez (from Claycots School, Slough) and Sally Mitchell (from St Luke’s CE Primary School, Bournemouth) are the four finalists.

They were selected by a Panel of experts: Geoff Swinn, Deputy CEO and Director of Education & Skills, The National Centre for Languages (CILT), Michelle Guy (Editor, Junior Education PLUS), Colette Hallam, Founder of La Jolie Ronde, Peter Satchwell, Independent Language Consultant and Britta Giersche – German Managing Editor Mary Glasgow Magazines.

The Primary Language Teacher 2009 can choose an all expenses paid two-day trip to Northern France for up to 30 children and five teachers. She will also receive £1000 of La Jolie Ronde resources and £1000 of Scholastic books, plus a framed certificate and a class set of La Petite Presse, Scholastic Modern Foreign Languages book and a Scholastic magazine subscription of their choice.

The other three finalists will each win £500 of La Jolie Ronde resources and £200 of Scholastic books. They will also receive a framed certificate and a class set of La Petite Presse, Scholastic Modern Foreign Languages book and a Scholastic magazine subscription of their choice.

The winner will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Monday 16th November at the Houses of Parliament.