Miss Mary Firth wins Teacher of the Year 2010 Monday 28th June 2010    Two students, who left Balby Carr in 2007 nominated Miss Mary Firth, Community Leader for the current Year 9 and 10 students and Head of the Sociology Department for the Teacher of the Year Award 2010.   On Wednesday 28th April two Judges, Carol Armitage and Mandy Howarth came to Balby Carr to meet with Mary, watch her teach a lesson and speak to colleagues, students, Governors, ex students and parents. They also met the two students who nominated Mary for this award, Vanessa Andrews and Kane Needham who left Balby Carr in 2007. The support for Mary was outstanding with many supporters writing testimonials in support of her nomination.   Miss Firth won the award for Teacher of the Year in a secondary school in the North of England Teaching Awards. Speaking at the ceremony Miss Firth said “I’m shell shocked at the moment. I was amazed, it was a lovely surprise. I love the job – I love working with young people and seeing them on their way with their futures. Someone helped me in the past and I want to do the same. The main thing I want to say is how incredible the children are. The children of Balby are so enthusiastic and generous and they are lovely young people, it makes my job worthwhile.   Miss Firth has taught at Balby Carr situated on Weston Road for 38 years. She was one of 10 winners whittled down from 9,200 nominations. She now has a chance to win the national title at the UK final in London in October.   Martin Craig, Head Teacher at Balby Carr said, “Mary is an outstanding teacher. She always puts children first and I think that’s a sign of an excellent teacher.”   On behalf of the whole Balby Carr family, congratulations to you, Miss Firth!