BERKSHIRE Park’s May Ptolemy might not be a one in a million teacher but she’s certainly proved she’s one in 1500.
The Cambridge Gardens Public School teacher made the top 10 in the Fairfax-sponsored Sydney’s Favourite Teacher competition last week.
The contest, judged by listeners of 2UE Radio, had 1500 teachers nominated by parents, students and colleagues, with Mrs Ptolemy making it to the final 10.
A full-time temporary teacher of a Year 5/6 composite class, she was nominated for “putting in the extra effort for her students”.
She said she hopes the achievement can help her secure a permanent role at the school.
“I’ve been a casual with the Department of Education and Training for six years now so I’m really hoping I can become a permanent part of this system,” Mrs Ptolemy said.
“I would also like to use my 15 minutes of fame to state that casual teachers do just as much of a fantastic job as permanent teachers and engage with the school community equally.”
The 28-year-old mother of two is also a director of the Kinship at Christmas Foundation, a local charity which operates in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains and has been active in her community for a number of years.
“I continually want to improve my teaching skills and build stronger relationships with my class so I can provide my students with the best possible advantage in life,” she said.
The winner of the Sydney’s Favourite Teacher competition was Ben Eggins of York Public School, Penrith.