CHILDREN are being encouraged to say 'thank you' to their teachers in a bid to make the profession more positive.

Wokingham teacher Teresa Mason is spreading the message of a national campaign — dubbed as #ThankATeacher to highlight the positive impact teachers and school leaders have in the current education system.

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She said: “Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world but even so it can be really hard.

"Receiving a thank you from a pupil can brighten up the darkest part of the year and really puts a spring in your step."

Teachers who receive a thank you card will be given the opportunity to be entered into the Pearson National Teaching Awards, televised by the BBC as 'Britains Classroom Heroes'.

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Teresa herself won a Silver Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education at the awards ceremony and is calling on local families to take part.

Pupils across Berkshire can put their favourite teachers in the spotlight and recognised nationally by simply sending them a card.

Ms Mason added: "We’ve all had an inspirational teacher.

"They show a real interest in who we are, listen to our thoughts, inspire us to learn and encourage us to achieve our best, no matter what our goals are. The influence of a good teacher lasts a lifetime."

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Pupils only have until February 12 to send a thank you card to their favourite teacher.

Visit: thankateacher.co.uk/ to find out how to send a card.