A STRABANE teacher has earned himself the prestigious title of 'Teacher of the Year' at a glittering awards ceremony held this week.

Risteard Mac Daibhéid, who teaches in Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir in Brandywell in Derry, was named as winner of the BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School at the event held in Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Monday, hosted by BBC presenter Donna Traynor and attended by education professionals, children and colleagues from finalists' schools. A teacher who has been hugely successful in promoting the Irish language, he has brought his school to the forefront of Irish Medium education. Every child in his class will be sitting an Irish language GCSE, at higher level, in June.

Having joined the school in 2000 as both Vice Principal and the person responsible for coordinating the provision for children with special educational needs, Risteard is also described as being passionate about developing the 'whole child'.

He has introduced many health initiatives, covering food, water and exercise, and also runs sports and drama clubs. The ceremony was told that in his care, children develop socially, emotionally and intellectually.

Risteard is also described as being active in helping to introduce a revised curriculum into Irish medium schools. Colleagues say he is "inventive, innovative and inspirational" and many parents describe him as the best teacher they have ever met. Pupils say he is "great fun and a brilliant teacher!"

Each year he also organises a residential event, with young primary Irish speakers, teachers and parents, which offers an inclusive event for Irish-speaking parents. His pupils can belong to an Irish club, and attend an Irish disco at school, and he has also taken them to a Gaelic football tournament.

He is active in promoting Irish drama, and last year he directed and co-wrote the prize-winning play Saoirse nó Daoirse, which won second place at the Oireachtas drama competition, and has been performed on radio.

Risteard has also successfully managed to involve many parents with the school, even though he works in a challenging area where many parents can fight shy of coming through the school gates.

As one of the 11 category winners, Risteard now goes forward to the televised final awards ceremony to be held in London in October.