OUR Teacher of the Month says that working with children keeps her young at heart and her pupils certainly agree because they all insist she is still 21 years old.

Shelley Parsons, 35, has been teaching at St Philip’s Westbrook for 12 years and was nominated by parent, Katie Owen, who said Miss Parsons has been a ‘brilliant teacher’ to her son, Joshua.

Katie said: “My son was very nervous about starting school after leaving a private nursery where he had loads of friends, to knowing nobody that was starting school with him.

“Miss Parsons and her teaching assistant Mrs Spurr have both made him feel comfortable, relaxed and safe.

“Miss Parsons is a brilliant teacher who has helped my son progress so much and I cannot thank her enough.”

Shelley, who is from Slough but studied at the University of Chester, wanted to be a nurse when she was at primary school but was inspired by her year six teacher to follow in her footsteps.

She said: “Teaching is a profession that keeps you on your toes and keeps you young at heart.

“You see children arrive in reception and grow up into these confident, independent, smiley young people.

“Sometimes when I’m in town I still see some youngsters who I used to teach and they tell me they always remembered being taught by me – that’s how I used to feel about my favourite teachers. It’s very rewarding.”

All of Shelley’s reception year pupils insist that she is still 21 years old and are thrilled to have her as their teacher.

Shelley said: “It’s a wonderful school, the community is really supportive and the staff are the best.

“My most memorable moment is visiting our partner school in South Africa last year and spending a week teaching children there.”

She was shocked when presented with the teacher of the month award because she thought somebody was coming to take a picture of the school’s new climbing frame.

Even though Shelley says it is a stressful time for teachers across the country, she would encourage anybody to consider a career in education.

She said: “My advice to people who are interested in teaching is follow your heart. If it’s something that you really want to do, don’t let people talk you out of it.

“You need to be fully devoted to teaching and just go for it!”

If you would like to nominate a deserving teacher for our Teacher of the Month award, email chloe.laversuch@nqnw.co.uk.