Celebrating 33 years of dedication: Ayresome Primary bids farewell to much-loved teacher
After 33 years of inspiring pupils, supporting colleagues and becoming a familiar face within the school community, Ayresome Primary School is preparing to say goodbye to a much-loved member of staff.
Vanessa Allison will retire tomorrow (17 July), bringing to a close a teaching career that began at Ayresome in 1993, which was the first role she applied for after graduating from university.
Throughout her career, Vanessa has predominantly taught Key Stage 2 pupils and has witnessed significant changes across education, including the amalgamation of Ayresome Infant and Junior Schools into a single school in 2002.
Reflecting on her time at the school, Vanessa said: “Ayresome was the first job I applied for after university and luckily, I was successful. In those days there were two schools – Infant and Junior – but that changed in 2002 with the amalgamation into a single school.
“Ayresome is a wonderful school with a very strong, supportive community and I’m going to miss it. There’s lots of aspects to teaching but being in the classroom is most important to me and making a difference to the young people in my care.
“Most of my adult life has been spent at Ayresome and I’ve grown with the school. Being at Ayresome for so long has also helped me develop great links and friendships because in many cases I’ve taught two generations of families.”
A career of leadership and learning
Alongside her classroom teaching, Vanessa has played a significant role within the school, holding a variety of positions including lead for Mathematics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Earlier in her career, she was the leading Maths teacher for the local authority and also worked with Durham University Education department as a training centre coordinator supporting aspiring new teachers.
Looking ahead to retirement, Vanessa is looking forward to spending more time with family, including visiting her eldest son, who lives in America, as well as enjoying more opportunities to follow Middlesbrough FC.
A lasting impact on the Ayresome community
Vanessa’s contribution has extended far beyond the classroom, with colleagues highlighting the knowledge, relationships and support she has built throughout her time at the school.
Charlotte Haylock, Head Teacher of Ayresome Primary School, said Vanessa’s retirement would leave a significant gap within the school community. She continued: “Vanessa will not just be a big loss to the teaching profession; she has vast knowledge of the Ayresome community, and we are going to miss that too.
“She’s the ‘go to’ person in the school who galvanises the staff and is a steadying influence on others. The school will miss her as will the children and families.”
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “To serve a single school for 33 years is a significant achievement and a demonstration of loyalty. I’d like to thank Vanessa for everything she has done at Ayresome, and I wish her a long and happy retirement.”
Celebrating the people who make North East education special
Ayresome Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust, a Schools North East Partner Trust.
Schools North East Director Chris Zarraga said: “Across the North East, our schools are built on the dedication, expertise and commitment of the people who work in them. Careers like Vanessa’s demonstrate the lasting impact that teachers have. Not just through the lessons they teach, but through the relationships they build with generations of children, families and communities. We wish Vanessa all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.”