Ten finalists have had their work highlighted by the Bermuda Education Network as it prepares to honour the group at its 2025 Teaching Awards.

The educators were nominated by the entire school community including parents, principals, students and colleagues for work they carried out last year.

Each finalist will receive a cash prize, while the overall winner will be presented with an additional personal monetary award and another for their school.

The victor will be announced at a ceremony sponsored by Allied World on January 23.

Five of the ten finalists are listed below, with the remainder to be highlighted in a subsequent article.

Denika Wade — Whitney Institute Middle School, M1 to Y9 social studies

Denika Wade is an inspiring force in social studies, transforming learning into unforgettable experiences for every student. Focused on relationships and creativity, she believes students thrive when they feel supported and encouraged to take risks. She brings history and geography to life through activities such as modelling Africa’s geography with decorated cakes and leading the 1609 Sea Venture Shipwreck Experience, where students re-enact survival tasks.

Holding a master’s degree in technology integration, Ms Wade draws on her travels in Senegal, Vietnam and Williamsburg to bring global perspectives to her classroom. Beyond teaching, she coaches Whitney Institute Middle School’s debate team and an under-seven girls football team with Pembroke Hamilton Club. Her work reflects dedication, creativity and a passion for active learning.

Karen Trott — Purvis Primary School, learning support teacher

Karen Trott is a dedicated learning support teacher whose impact reaches across Purvis Primary School and the wider community. As lead literacy teacher, she supports colleagues and contributes to the leadership and transformation teams, using data-informed, student-centred practices to drive school improvement. Her expertise in guided reading enables her to tailor instruction, fostering strong literacy growth and a love of learning.

Committed to developing both students and staff, Ms Trott builds positive relationships and a collaborative school culture. She brings learning to life through hands-on mathematics projects connecting concepts to real-world applications. Beyond the classroom, she engages in professional learning and actively serves the community through PTA involvement, Girlguiding Bermuda, The Salvation Army and youth development initiatives.

Kelly Massa — Somerset Primary School, P3

Kelly Massa brings imagination, curiosity and hands-on learning to life in her Primary 3 classroom. She emphasises communication and exploration, integrating literacy across all subjects through reading, writing and digital resources. Her teaching is marked by memorable, school-wide projects, including guiding students to build a coffee table from crate wood — an experience that brought collaborative, applied learning to life for the entire school community.

Beyond the classroom, Ms Massa co-leads the chess club to promote strategic thinking and focus, and contributes actively to the school garden, the Agricultural Exhibition and community partnerships. Her thoughtful, creative approach fosters curiosity, confidence and independence, ensuring students develop strong skills across the curriculum while enjoying meaningful and engaging learning experiences.

Sara Westhead — Whitney Institute Middle School, M1 to M3 digital literacy and M3 IGCSE English

Sara Westhead is a passionate advocate for students who builds strong, trusting relationships that empower every learner. Drawing on her lived experiences with disability and neurodivergence, she brings an empathetic and informed approach to supporting diverse student needs. In her English classes, Ms Westhead amplifies student voices by guiding learners to research, write and present persuasive speeches on issues that matter to them. She also supports colleagues’ understanding of neurodiversity and Universal Design for Learning, presenting workshops at the Bermuda Union of Teachers annual conference. Now pursuing a Doctor of Education at the University of Sheffield, her research on teachers’ attitudes towards students with autism reflects her deep commitment to equity and inspiring inclusive practices across Bermuda’s public schools.

Shayla Morton — Francis Patton Primary School, P5

Shayla Morton is a dedicated P5 teacher who creates a positive, supportive classroom where students feel confident to take risks and grow. She excels at building strong relationships and fostering effective classroom management, ensuring every student thrives. Literacy is embedded across all subjects, allowing students to apply skills from the Writers Workshop, use subject-specific vocabulary and engage deeply with texts.

Ms Morton cherishes end-of-year reflections, or “warm fuzzies”, where students articulate their growth. As social studies instructional leader, she connects students with Bermuda’s history and culture, while actively engaging in professional development on teaching strategies and learning disabilities. Beyond the classroom, Ms Morton contributes to the PTA and Eco School club, promoting student success, cultural awareness and lifelong learning.

* Information provided by the Bermuda Education Network. The other five finalists will be featured in a later edition of The Royal Gazette