OUR teacher of the month was surprised with the award on his birthday in front of his year one class at St Margaret’s Primary School in Orford.

Adam Lankertis, who celebrated his 28th birthday with pupils and staff on Tuesday, was nominated by student Emily Wharton.

Emily’s mum Danielle said her daughter loves going to school and has improved ‘so much’ since joining his class.

Adam, who studied at Edge Hill University, was inspired to become a teacher by one of his A level tutors.

He said: “She was my favourite tutors and said she thought I’d make a good teacher. Now I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I went back to my old primary school to do a placement and knew it was for me.

“Your heart has to be in it – it’s not a career for the holidays or the money, it’s for the children. You will just enjoy working alongside them and learning new things.

“They come into class with a smile on their faces every day.”

Adam, who lives in Huyton, has been at St Margaret’s for five years and worked at St Philip’s Westbrook before making the move. 

He added: “I have always taught in Warrington, I like it here and I don’t think I would leave now.

“The children here are just great, they are so well behaved and a lot of fun. They come out with some corkers too so it really entertains you.

“Even though I didn’t like maths at school, I really enjoy teaching it now. We do Singapore Maths and the children are so engaged with it. Maybe I like maths now because I struggled with it at school so I can see what the barriers are.”

And he said every day can be different, from dressing as Henry VIII to pretending there has been an alien landing and hanging out the bunting for the Queen’s birthday celebrations.

“We try our best to make learning as fun as it can be,” he added, before going back to the classroom to enjoy a chocolate birthday cake with pupils and staff.

  • Nominate a deserving teacher for our monthly award by emailing chloe.laversuch@nqnw.co.uk