Allied World has pledged $100,000 to a charity to assist with the creation of a conference focused on teachers and professional development.

The support marked the strengthening of the company’s partnership with the Bermuda Education Network, which runs the annual Outstanding Teacher Awards.

Plans include leveraging the award finalists to promote more effective instructional practices.

The funds will help to finance the annual award event and cover the salary of a part-time employee to support the initiatives.

Becky Ausenda, the founder of the education network, said: “Public schoolteachers face a difficult job that requires emotional strength and continuous adaptation to meet the needs of their students.

“The investment they make in their students often goes far beyond the classroom.

“Allied World has supported BEN since 2012 and has been critical in enabling us to honour the commitment of public schoolteachers in Bermuda.”

Colm Singleton, the head of Allied World Bermuda, added: “Teachers are some of the hardest working people in a job that impacts the entire community of Bermuda.

“They deserve to be recognised for what they do and how hard they work. We are honoured to support BEN in their mission to celebrate and empower educators who make a difference in Bermuda every day.”