DURING a teacher’s career they inspire generations of pupils to succeed.

The Lifetime Achievement Award aims to recognise the hard work of the people who have spent their lives educating generations of children and young people.

Robert Brown was nominated for a Gwent Schools Award by a number of parents because of the dedication and hard work he has as a teacher.

Since he started working as a teacher at Lliswerry Primary School in September 1981 he has held a number of roles at the school. Although he retired three years ago he still works at the school for a few hours a week with a pupil support group, something he says he enjoys doing.

He clearly has a passion for the school, something Mr Brown says has been there since he started.

“I was fortunate to come to this school, to a school where there were so many fantastic teachers. I learnt so much in those first couple of years from the staff who were here.”

Originally from Newport, he has seen the city and school change tremendously in the 36 years he has been there.

“The school’s buildings are bigger, but the biggest change has been in the style of teaching and in the resources available. There was no such thing as computers when I first started, it was still chalk and talk.”

During his career he has taught different generations of the same family. Seeing ex-pupils in his daily life is something Mr Brown enjoys: “Funny enough there are some members of staff here who used to be in my class in school. There are lots of teachers working in Newport that I used to teach. Its’ nice to have a chat to them. “

“I always said I’d finish when someone said ‘You taught my grandmother’ and I think that time is fast approaching.”

Ultimately, what keeps Mr Brown in the teaching profession is the children.

He said: “I like seeing children progress. I like seeing children realise that they can do something, and I like seeing children realise that hard work pays off. I think effort is extremely important and that the children know that if they keep trying they will succeed.”

Time is running out for nominations in the South Wales Argus’ Gwent Schools Awards. Exceptional teachers will be celebrated when The awards will be announced at a presentation evening on March 10 at the Coldra Court Hotel. All entries must be submitted by 5pm, January 20.

Anyone can send in a nomination for free at southwalesargus.co.uk/gwentschoolsawards.