The Bermuda Education Network has highlighted the work of ten finalists for its 2025 Teaching Awards.

Educators were nominated by the entire school community including parents, principals, students and colleagues for their work 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 winner will be announced at an awards ceremony sponsored by Allied World on January 23.

The Royal Gazette featured five of the finalists yesterday and the other five are listed below.

Stephanie Hughes — West End Primary School, reading support

Stephanie Hughes is a visionary literacy educator who transforms assessment data into actionable strategies that accelerate student learning. She elevates students’ identities as readers, celebrating progress and helping each learner to feel capable, confident and worthy of success.

A strong advocate for students and colleagues, Ms Hughes serves as a key literacy resource, modelling lessons, analysing data and interpreting reading behaviours to guide instruction. She played a leading role in introducing the University of Florida Literacy Institute programme at West End Primary School, piloting it in P1 to P3 and supporting its expansion into P4 through co-teaching, modelling and professional learning.

Actively engaged in literacy-focused professional development and BEN initiatives, her expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit make her a transformative force in literacy education.

Suzette Cheeseman — St David's Primary School, reading teacher/P6 language teacher/deputy principal

Suzette Cheeseman is an inspiring educator at St David’s Primary School, bringing with her more than 30 years of experience. As reading teacher, P6 language teacher and deputy principal, she combines classroom excellence with strong leadership, positively impacting students and colleagues.

Committed to professional growth, Ms Cheeseman stays up to date with evidence-based literacy strategies to support student learning.

In her deputy principal role, she collaborates with the principal to monitor data, bolster a multitiered system of supports, and enhance school climate, safety and achievement.

An active PTA executive member, she organises community events, Spirit Weeks, food drives and guest speakers while strengthening school, family and community connections. Her dedication, expertise and leadership make her a driving force for excellence at St David’s Primary.

Tabathia Roberts — East End Primary, P1 and P2 combined

Tabathia Roberts is a dedicated educator known for creating structured, supportive classrooms where every student can thrive. With strong classroom management and thoughtful differentiation, she meets each child’s learning needs with care.

As a lower primary teacher, Ms Roberts emphasises foundational skills through multisensory approaches — songs, movement and hands-on learning — making lessons engaging and meaningful. Committed to professional growth, she holds certifications in gamification in early childhood education, Montessori training and a diploma in educational psychology. She is also participating in the From Fingers to Decimals math workshop.

Serving as math teacher leader and contributing through PTA and fundraising initiatives, Ms Roberts strengthens school-family connections. Her imagination and devotion to students set her apart as a remarkable educator.

Terry Henry — Northlands Primary School and Paget Primary School, music

Terry Henry is a master music educator at Northlands Primary School and Paget Primary School, known for engaging students through their passions and setting high expectations that inspire excellence in both classroom and extracurricular music.

Every Friday, he leads a beloved school assembly that has fostered a vibrant culture of music and singing, delighting students, staff and visitors. Working closely with the autism spectrum disorder classroom, Mr Henry uncovers students’ musical talents and uses music to support learning and comprehension, exemplified in the Bermuda Union of Teachers workshop, A Musical Reflection.

Under his leadership, the school choir won the 2024 and 2025 Skyport Christmas events and performed at Disney Springs last year. His passion, creativity and dedication make him a transformative presence in the school community.

Zola French-Ray — West Pembroke Primary School, autism classroom/all grades

Zola French-Ray is an exceptional educator at West Pembroke Primary School, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in her autism classroom. Known for her patience, creativity and calm presence, she ensures every student feels valued and empowered.

Ms French-Ray uses multisensory activities and accessible materials to meet diverse learning needs, highlighted by her Autism Awareness Month puzzle display celebrating each student’s individuality and achievements.

Beyond the classroom, she hosts monthly Coffee, Chat and Chew sessions for parents, promotes inclusion through collaborative activities with mainstream classes, and advocates for art therapy and essential resources for students’ families.

Combining skill, innovation and heart, she empowers all of her students to reach their full potential.

* Information provided by the Bermuda Education Network