THE cream of the region’s teaching crop has been recognised.

The 2009 Teaching Awards for the North-East and Cumbria ceremony were held at The Sage, in Gateshead, yesterday.

A lifetime achievement award went to Mike Vening, who has taught for more than 40 years, 21 of them at Abbey Hill School and Technology College in Stockton.

He has been instrumental in developing special schools and opportunities for children with special educational needs in the Stockton area.

Judges said he had shown young people with special needs “can be valued and valuable members of the community”.

Zoe Mather, of Beaumont Hill School and Technology College, at Darlington Education Village, won an award for excellence in professional development.

Matthew Taylor, of Woodham Community Technology College in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was named special needs teacher of the year.

Mr Taylor teaches a variety of subjects and has developed nurture groups to improve pupils’ self esteem, social and emotional wellbeing, literacy and numeracy, and life skills.

Judges said: “Affection for this young teacher oozed from his pupils and colleagues.”

Mr Taylor, who has taught at Woodham for ten years, said: “Helping children with various special needs to make suitable choices in life gets better and better.

“I get so much back from working with them, seeing them develop and getting to know them so I can find a way to get them interested in education to reach their potential.”

Barbara Catterson, whose daughter, Holleigh-May, 14, is one of his pupils, nominated Mr Taylor for the award.

She said: “His enthusiasm and commitment are fantastic.”

Louise Hamilton, teaching assistant of the year, is credited with giving pupils at Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, a “can do” attitude.

She has acted as a pupil advocate, working closely with students who need extra support and organises rewards and outings.

Other winners included: new teacher – Kathryn Lindop, Abbey Hill School and Technology College, Stockton; Governor of the year – David Jackson, St Peter’s Primary, Saltburn, east Cleveland.

Award for sustainable school – Bydales School, Redcar, Cleveland.

Visit teachingawards.com for full list of nominees, photographs and to make nominations for next year’s awards.