After making it her mission to bring children together through music, joy, and teamwork, former St Columbu’s pupil Amy Cassley landed this year’s Champion Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by Fife Voluntary Action (FVA).
The 26-year-old Carnegie Primary School teacher picked up the accolade during Thursday’s Community Champion Awards ceremony, at Dunfermline’s Glen Pavilion.
In founding the school choir, ‘Carne-glee’, Amy created a safe and inclusive space for every child to feel celebrated.
She told the Press: “It feels crazy to be recognised like this. The glee club is so special for me.
“Teaching is one aspect of it, but it’s great to see children thriving in areas that aren’t academic.
“Not everybody is suited to the classroom environment, and I love seeing their strengths shine on stage.
The 26-year-old teacher said it felt crazy to be recognised at Thursday’s ceremony. (Image: David Wardle)“A lot our vulnerable children are in this group, they’ve had a chance to meet new people, make friendships, and do things they might not have many chances to do.”
It might be a lot of fun, but participating in the glee club allows pupils to learn skills that can be applied in later life.
Amy commented: “It’s about their timekeeping and dedication as well. We rehearse twice a week after school, from August all the way into May.
“They have to show commitment to the club, and there’s an application process, so they learn life skills from going through that.
“You have to take pride in being a member, which means behaving in class and following the school values.”
Grants Manager Cat Cockburn of FVA was delighted to present Amy with her well-deserved award.