Praise for retiring headteachers

RECOGNITION FOR SCHOOL LEADERS AS THEY LEAVE THE PROFESSION

- By DEBORAH HALL

FOUR headteachers with a combined total of 136 years in education between them are being celebrated as they prepare to leave the profession to retire.

With national Thank a Teacher Day coming up tomorrow, East Riding Council wants to acknowledge the dedication of the school leaders who will step down this summer.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “Thank a Teacher Day provides a great opportunity to say thank you to all of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to nurturing and educating pupils.

“We all know what an impact teachers have on children’s lives and futures. A special thank you to our retiring headteachers, whose leadership and vision have made a significant impact on our schools and communities. We wish you, and all retiring teachers, the very best in your well-deserved retirement.”

She added: “I'd encourage our East Riding children to say thank you to their teachers this Thank a Teacher Day.”

The four headteachers - Heidi Gallagher, Chris Brown, Sarah Kay-Wood and Julie Sutherland - have been reflecting on their careers and what they are looking forward to in their retirement.

Heidi, headteacher of Eastrington Primary School, has been in education for 33 years and head at Eastrington since 2011. She said: “I always wanted to be a teacher, right from being in primary school myself.