CedarBridge Academy teacher Ralda Jones yesterday became the 2002 recipient of the Bermuda Overcoming Learning Disabilities/Difficulties (BOLD) educator of the year.

Mrs. Jones, who has been teaching for more than 20 years, said that the experiences of teaching was what had kept her going over the years.

"I think I enjoy teaching so much. I enjoy working with special needs children. Everyday is something new," said Mrs. Jones. "I can't think of anything else I would rather do."

BOLD is a support and advocacy group associated with the Learning Disabilities Association of Bermuda.

This was the fourth year the award had been given, with Mrs. Jones being chosen best out of 20 local educators nominated for the top prize.

As part of her prize, Mrs. Jones has received an all accommodation paid trip to the Learning Disabilities Association Conference in Chicago in February courtesy of programme sponsor Partner Re.

When asked if she had any ideas as to why she was chosen, Mrs. Jones said that she believed it was because she cared about the children that she taught.

But her nominators called on the fact that she went "above the call of duty" to help students.

Mrs. Jones added: "My philosophy, and it may not be the same for everyone, is to try to treat the children like they were my very own."

East End Primary school teacher Bronwen Pett was third runner-up, and second runner-up went to Bermuda High School for Girls teacher Tanya Weller. The first runner-up prize went to Paget Primary school teacher Wendy Warren.

Two lifetime achievement awards were handed out to retiring teachers Lorna Anderson from the Bermuda High School for Girls and Judith James of Victor Scott School.

And three honorary mentions were awarded to teachers Melissa Walter of Mount Saint Agnes, Ursula Kennedy of the Berkeley Institute, and Zoe Stephenson, of Somerset Primary School.

Chairwoman of BOLD, Jonelle Smith said that with so many teachers nominated this year, it was hard to choose just one winner.

And she said additional categories were added this year so that all of the finalists could be recognised.

"These winners are giving out a lot of hope and inspiration," said Mrs. Smith.

Minister of Education Paula Cox had a few words for the winners. She said it was their courage, commitment and conviction that had had a positive affect on the students they taught.

"We have extremely talented teachers in the system," said Ms Cox. "Everyone here, you are all winners, keep doing what you do."