Nominate your classroom favourite for a Teaching Award

Have you nominated your favourite teacher for a Teaching Award yet? You've not got much time left to put them in the running for the most prestigious award in school education. And it's not just for teachers. Perhaps you know an inspirational head, a gifted teaching assistant or a powerhouse of a governor who really makes a difference to their school. Nominating them for a Teaching Award will show them just how grateful you are for the work they put in. As Ed Balls says, you can tell when you've met a good teacher. "It's like a bolt of electricity is going around their classroom," says the education secretary. "You can see the pupils are listening and excited. The teacher is commanding the room, conveying their passion for their subject. They are stretching those who need more of a challenge and giving extra help to those who need it." Anyone can nominate – be they pupil, parent, colleague or friend. Every nomination receives a certificate before the judging process begins. And this year there's a new award, for Outstanding School Team of the Year, which will recognise excellent teams of staff working together and achieving exceptional things. Nominations for 2010 close on March 1. So enter you favourite on the Teaching Awards website now.