A Bermudian teacher spoke of her surprise after picking up an international award for her work with children last month.

Sandra Smith, a teacher at Somerset Primary School, is one of six people to receive the newly-created International Excellence Award.

She told she was delighted with the honour ? but that her real reward for 24 years of teaching was watching youngsters learn.

She said: ?I knew that my principal had put my name forward but I did not expect to win. I just feel that I do my best. My heart is definitely in it. When I see the kids progressing, when they look at me and I can see they understand, That?s the best part.?

The accolades were set up to recognise the work of early childhood educators ? those working from pre-school to grade four ? across Bermuda, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Mother-of-one Mrs. Smith, of Somerset, was presented with her award and a $1,000 prize at La Coquille Restaurant, at an annual awards ceremony for the Jeffers Agency, which markets education scholarship plans.

Mrs. Smith is the first Bermuda resident to receive the honour, given out by the Toronto-based Heritage International Scholarship Trust Foundation.

Scott McIndless, the foundation?s president and chief executive officer, said: ?Teachers make such an impact on a child?s educational experience ? especially during the early years. The International Excellence Awards pay tribute to teachers who are passionate about this responsibility and who inspire children every day.?

The other winners were Nancy L. Conyers and Unease Yvette Kemp from Bahamas and Vernie Wisdom, Doreth McFarlance and Simone Kelly from Jamaica.

To nominate an outstanding teacher for the 2006 International Excellence Awards for Teachers visit www.heritageesp.com. Entries will be accepted until December 15, 2006.