'Amazing' Sheffield teacher left humbled after being praised by parents for his support throughout Covid

The Star was inundated with compliments for Charlie Howe, a Year 5 teacher at Brunswick Primary School in Woodhouse, following an appeal last month asking parents to tell us who they would like to thank ahead of the return to remote learning for most pupils after the February half-term break.

The inspirational teacher was in school full-time during the third national lockdown, working with his year group partner to rotate between teaching the children of key workers and conducting online lessons for those at home.

Now, Mr Howe has spoken out on the commendations and given his thanks to parents for their support which he says made his work possible.

He said: “It made me quite emotional to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to read it. It’s always really nice to receive praise and to have positive feeback like that.

"But without the support of the parents and without the support of the carers at home there’d be absolutely no way I’d be able to have the impact that I’ve had. I just want to give a huge shout out to them.”

Speaking of his lockdown lessons, he added: "I really like to build a positive working relationship with the pupils. One of the key things throughout all of the lockdowns has been to keep in touch and remind them that, even though we aren’t together, that I’m still their teacher and that we still care.

"I try to keep it as fun as possible with challenges like inside jokes with the class, a few shout-outs and the odd dress up moment that will definitely be embarassing to look back on. But, if it makes them smile and makes the lesson memorable then it’s worth doing.

"There’s a lot of pressures for them through lockdown that we don’t think about on the surface of it but to go from seeing your friends every single day and building those relationships to them being sucked away at nine or 10-years-old is a lot to deal with.

“So, just to take a bit of that pressure off them and have a giggle at your 25-year-old teacher dressed in a dress… if it makes them smile it’s worth it.”

Claire Evans was one of the parents who singled out Mr Howe following The Star’s appeal, noting the ‘amazing’ way he helped keep spirits high.

She said: “He’s absolutely amazing with all the children and the kids and parents love him. He’s gone over and beyond helping my child with homeschooling.

"He’s called and emailed several times which I appreciate immensely. Without his support we wouldn’t have managed with homeschooling. He’s an absolute credit to the school and a role model to every teacher and child out there.”

Callie Mullen added: “He’s the best teacher my son’s ever had, we all adore his happy nature and he’s amazing with our children, he’s been there at the end of a phone or by email when ever I’ve needed him this lockdown!”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.