Meet the 2022 winner: Lukasz Plaza

Lukasz Plaza, science teacher at Admiral Lord Nelson School

Every year, the Teach Portsmouth Awards recognise and celebrate the city's teachers, learning support assistants, teams and senior leaders. In an ongoing series of blogs, we're revisiting the winners from this year's ceremony to learn more about their successes.

We spoke to Lukasz Plaza, a science teacher at Admiral Lord Nelson School (ALNS) and winner of the new teacher of the year award.

Thank you for speaking to us, Lukasz. Please can you tell us a little about your role?

I am a science teacher involved in leading the department with a focus on engagement, enrichment and transition in science. I qualified as a teacher in 2022 and have remained at the school after completing my training here.

How did you feel when you found out you had been nominated for the new teacher of the year award?

Surprised. My colleagues at ALNS are great at recognising the effort and work I put in. It was lovely to see this officially recognised.

What did it mean to you to win the award and where do you keep your trophy?

I was very happy to find out that I had won! Who wouldn't be?

However, it was also stressful. Most teachers are extroverts or pretend to be when standing in front of a class of 30 children - it's just what we do. But having to go on stage and accept an award in front of a room full of incredible colleagues and then be asked to also make a short speech was interesting to say the least.

I keep my trophy on my desk. That was a deal I made with some of the children when they found out I was nominated.

How important are events like the Teach Portsmouth Awards in recognising achievements in education?

I think they are vital, especially for new teachers. It can often feel like the work is never ending and the effort goes unnoticed when you are new to the profession. The event is a fantastic way for hard work to be recognised.

Can you tell us a little bit about why you chose to teach in Portsmouth?

My plan was to finish university and my teacher training here and then move back to London, but plans change.

I came to Portsmouth to study psychology and decided to stay here to complete my PGCE. ALNS was my second placement from which I never left.

The pupils here are fantastic, and I can't tell you how many times they have made me laugh. When you combine that with the family-like staff if becomes difficult to leave.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about teaching in Portsmouth?

Do it! There are great opportunities in Portsmouth. If this doesn't convince you, I strongly suggest you come and observe the great teaching that goes on here.

Find your route into teaching

Has Lukasz's story inspired you to begin your own teaching journey?

Use our route finder tool to explore initial teacher training courses in Portsmouth for 2023/24.

GET STARTED

Tags:

About the author

Justine Streeton

Justine Streeton is a member of the Teach Portsmouth team who work to recruit, retain and grow the best teachers and leaders locally.

She hopes to provide useful information for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching. Justine is always inspired by the stories of Portsmouth's passionate and motivated teachers who embrace the opportunity to change lives and make a difference through education.

With a background in marketing, she has learnt a lot about teaching since joining the team and is keen to share valuable resources to inspire those into the profession.