A dedicated educator who was among a group recognised for exceptional community spirit has been named as 2024’s Outstanding Teacher.

Natalie Roberts, the deputy principal at St George’s Preparatory School, received the accolade for her implementation of a new reading instruction tool, which was later adopted for the island’s national curriculum.

She was among nine teachers who were highlighted for their efforts and presented with awards by the Bermuda Education Network at a ceremony at The Loren on Thursday.

Over the past 2½ years, Ms Roberts was the driving force behind the implementation of the educational programme, which was adopted from the University of Florida Literacy Institute.

Through the scheme, which has transformed literacy at St George’s Prep, Ms Roberts gained certification in teaching pupils with dyslexia.

She told The Royal Gazette that she was “humbled, because it is something that is very dear to my heart”.

The mother of four sons explained that she took an impassioned interest in completing the literacy programme offered by the University of Florida.

She started studying for the certification during the pandemic and was determined to complete the one-year course.

Ms Roberts said that the programme was aimed at sharpening the literacy skills of students, including those who have dyslexia.

She explained that the programme, which is geared to assist lower primary pupils, was introduced as a pilot with the P3 children at her school, adding that it was “very hands on” and fast paced.

One of her sons, who has dyslexia, was in the class at the time it was introduced and she noted that he showed vast improvement.

Ms Roberts said: “He just skyrocketed with it and I decided to talk to the principal about it.”

The programme was subsequently rolled out to other class levels at St George’s Prep and later introduced to primary schools across the island by the Department of Education.

Proceedings last night were paused for a short while as Ms Roberts — who had just landed from Boston when the winners were announced — made her way from the airport.

The educator feared she did not have enough time to make it to the event.

She explained: “My brother was driving and he said, I think we should go, and I kept saying ‘turn around’ but he insisted we go.

“Then I get here and I was shocked and surprised; it was very unexpected and I am just happy.”

Ms Roberts said although she was tired from travelling, she felt humbled and satisfied that her hard work was recognised by the BEN and the community.

She thanked the network, her family, the staff of St George’s Prep and others who have supported her and the literacy programme.

At the awards, Albert Benson and Shacolbi Basden won a runner-up prize for their community action project with the charity Home.

Educators from Purvis Primary, East End Primary, Northlands Primary, Victor Scott Preschool and Whitney Institute Middle School also received prizes.

They were commended by the BEN’s selection committee, comprised of experienced educators, for their community efforts.

A spokeswoman for the network said the committee met the finalists and reviewed submissions to select the winners.

It was also announced that the nine finalists would each receive $1,000 prizes for their efforts.

Becky Ausenda, the founder of BEN, thanked the awards sponsor, Allied World Bermuda, for supporting the event.

She said Ms Roberts is a well-known leader in Bermuda’s literacy education field.

Ms Ausenda added: “The work that she contributed over the last two years to St George’s Prep and the broader education community is nothing short of phenomenal.

“BEN is one of a group of charities who provide additional reading services to students and we see how essential it is for teaching professionals to keep up with the latest science of reading developments.”

Colm Singleton, the head of Allied World Bermuda, congratulated Ms Roberts on her achievement.

He said: “We are proud to honour Natalie for her exemplary dedication and willingness to share expertise with other educators.”

Two community organisations, the St George’s Historical Society and the St David’s Island Historical Society, were also recognised for their contributions as community partners.

The volunteer organisations partnered with BEN to deliver 30 field trips a year to public primary schools, each delivering more than 350 student experiences in 2024.

The two groups were represented at the event by volunteers Lyn Llewellyn, Jeannie Olander, Janet DeBraga and Alison Correia.

The BEN said highlights from the programmes and lesson plans of the award finalists will be made available so that other educators may gain access to the resources.