Former Peterlee pupil receives inspirational teacher award after first year at old school
Relaxed, funny and super respected – that’s how Ryan Gooch’s students describe him.
In the first year of his two-year Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme, he has already made a huge impression on his pupils, peers, school and education trust.
Now he has won the Inspirational Staff Award at Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust’s special staff awards ceremony held at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City.
“I’m really happy to have won this award because it’s only my first year as a teacher,” said Mr Gooch, 23, from Peterlee, who teaches biology at St Bede’s Catholic School & Byron Sixth Form, in Peterlee.
“I really feel like I’ve found my feet and I have a great relationship with the students. I completed my SCITT training with the Trust and everything I have learnt has been through the Trust.
“I have always had a passion for teaching and always been interested in working in schools and I studied sports science at university.
“St Bede’s is my old school and some of my old teachers still work there, so I really feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.
“The best thing about teaching is the relationships I have with students – both my biology classes and my tutor group, who are a great bunch.
“Just to be nominated I felt privileged but having read what was said about me in the nomination and watched the shortlisting video, it makes me want to keep doing what I’m doing and keep improving.”
This award celebrates someone who is positive and full of enthusiasm, who has gone over and above the remit of their role to emotionally and practically support pupils.
In this award category, all nominations are made by pupils.
The nomination said: “Mr Gooch is the kind of teacher everyone wishes they had. He’s relaxed, funny, and always there when you need help, but still super respected.
“He makes biology enjoyable, and his lessons go so fast we’re disappointed when they end. Whether he’s staying after school, running clubs, or just cheering us on, he always goes above and beyond.
“He makes school feel welcoming, helps us believe in ourselves, and genuinely cares about every student.”
The Inspirational Staff award was one of 14 awards handed out at the annual event.