Video: ‘Inspiring’ Dagenham teacher is top of the class

A teacher who has dedicated almost 40 years of service to one school has been named runner up in a national competition.

Fiona Goodwin, deputy head at William Ford C of E Junior School, in Dagenham, was awarded a distinction in The Ted Wragg Award for Lifetime Achievement category at the Pearson Teaching Awards.

The 59-year-old started at the school when she was just 22 and has enjoyed it so much she’s still there almost four decades later.

Fiona, who has taught two generations of a number of families, said she was delighted to receive her distinction: “I didn’t expect it at all – it’s defintely come as a surprise,” she said.

Asked what she loves most about her job, Fiona replied: “No two days are the same and the children are fantastic.”

Omotola Animashaun, 11, told the Post: “Miss Goodwin is a good teacher because her lessons and assemblies are inspiring,” while Frankie Hastings, 11, said “she is a brilliant teacher because she works extremely hard to give us a good education.”