A teacher known for being ‘small in stature but a giant in the classroom’ will be recognised this weekend with an Excellence in Teaching Award.Wendie Warren, an elementary teacher at The Bermuda Institute has been lauded for ushering in a “high standard of teaching and learning”.She is one of ten teachers selected by the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF), which supports Seventh-day Adventist schools throughout North America.The AAF makes award selections based on classroom innovation, community involvement and leadership. Since it’s establishment in 1995, the organisation has recognised 106 exceptional teachers out of more than 4,500 working in the Adventist education system.Ms Warren who it describes as “passionate” and “versatile” was nominated by principals, superintendents, colleagues, and former students.A school spokeswoman said: “A walk into Wendie’s classroom will reveal kindergartners performing well above average: children are reading whole sentences, distinguishing literary devices, spelling advanced words, and even using times tables.“She has even facilitated a union-wide workshop on instructional strategies.“Wendie’s classroom culture of inclusion, advocacy for every type of learner, and partnership with parents are just a few examples of how she fosters a positive learning community.”According to Frigga Simmons, the development director of BI, Ms Warren’s students “are constantly celebrating each other. One person’s success is everybody’s success.“Her classroom is purpose-driven. Her students know that there are no limitations to what they can accomplish as God’s children.”Principal Lois Tucker said Ms Warren, who has 20 years teaching experience, was extremely versatile and could “function almost anywhere and teach almost anything”.In addition to teaching, Ms Warren coaches the girls’ netball team and has made it her “personal passion” to see that no student fails to graduate.Ms Warren will be presented with the national award and $2,000 reward during the school’s graduation ceremony on Sunday at 10am.