Meet the 2025 Teaching Award Finalists

Denika Wade is a creative, relationship-focused Social Studies teacher who believes students learn best when they feel supported and encouraged to take risks. She transforms lessons into interactive experiences, such as modeling Africa’s geography with decorated cakes and organizing the 1609 Sea Venture Shipwreck Experience, where students reenact survival tasks. Denika holds a Master’s in technology integration and draws inspiration from her travels in Senegal, Vietnam, and Williamsburg, bringing global perspectives into her classroom. Beyond her classroom, she coaches Whitney’s debate team and serves as a U7 girls coach with Pembroke Hamilton Club, where she also plays on the Women’s senior team. Denika’s teaching showcases her dedication to fostering student growth, sparking creativity, and promoting active learning, all while making social studies both engaging and unforgettable.

Karen Dawn Trott is a dedicated Learning Support Teacher at Purvis School and currently serves as the Lead Literacy Teacher, supporting colleagues and contributing to the Leadership and Transformation Teams to drive school-wide improvement. She uses data-informed, student-centered practices to guide instruction and is particularly skilled in guided reading, tailoring learning to meet diverse needs and promote strong literacy growth. Karen is deeply committed to developing both students and teachers, fostering positive relationships and a collaborative, high-performing school culture. She values real-world learning, engaging Year 7 students in hands-on mathematics projects that connect classroom learning to construction and measurement. Karen actively participates in professional learning through Educators Summit webinars and remains strongly engaged in the wider community through PTA involvement, leadership in Girlguiding Bermuda, service at the Salvation Army, and ongoing work supporting youth development.

Kelly Massa is an imaginative Primary Three teacher who emphasizes curiosity, communication, and hands-on learning. Literacy is integrated across subjects through reading, writing, and digital resources. Memorable projects include building a coffee table from crate wood, engaging the whole school in collaborative, applied learning. Kelly co-leads a chess club to promote strategic thinking and focus, and contributes to the school garden, Agricultural Exhibition, and community partnerships. Her approach fosters curiosity, confidence, and creativity, ensuring students develop skills across the curriculum while enjoying meaningful learning experiences.

Sara Weshead is a passionate advocate for students and excels at building strong, trusting relationships. Drawing on her experience as a disabled person, the daughter of a disabled parent, and the mother of two neurodivergent children, she brings an empathetic and informed perspective that helps her understand the diverse challenges students bring to the classroom. She believes students should have a voice in their learning and, in her English classes, students research, write, and present persuasive speeches on issues important to them. She actively supports colleagues’ understanding of neurodiversity and Universal Design for Learning and recently presented workshops at the B.U.T. Annual Conference. Currently in her fourth year of Doctor of Education studies at the University of Sheffield, she is writing her dissertation on teachers’ attitudes toward students with Autism in the Bermuda Public School System. She previously served as Content Teacher Leader for the electives department at Whitney Institute, developed the school-wide teaching schedule, and provides a safe, welcoming space for students before school and during lunch.

Shayla Morton is a dedicated Primary Five teacher who excels at building positive relationships and strong classroom management. She creates a structured, supportive environment where students feel confident to learn and take risks. Literacy is embedded across all subjects, helping students apply skills from Writer’s Workshop, use subject-specific vocabulary, and engage with texts to deepen understanding. Shayla treasures end-of-year reflections, where students articulate their growth, providing her with what she calls her “warm fuzzies.” Committed to continuous improvement, she participates in professional development focused on teaching strategies and learning disabilities. As Social Studies Instructional Leader, she organizes events that connect students with Bermuda’s history and culture. Shayla actively contributes to the PTA and Eco School club, fostering student success, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning.

Stephanie Hughes’ greatest strength is her ability to transform assessment data into actionable intervention plans that accelerate student learning. She is deeply committed to elevating students’ identities as readers, intentionally celebrating small wins and helping students feel capable, growing, and worthy of success. A strong advocate for students, Stephanie also serves as a key literacy resource for colleagues and is frequently called upon to model lessons, analyze assessment data, and interpret reading behaviors to guide instruction. She helped lead the introduction and implementation of the UFLI program at West End, piloting it in P1–P3 and supporting its expansion into P4 through modeling, co-teaching, and professional learning. Stephanie regularly attends literacy-focused professional development, participates in the BEN Learning to be Literate book discussion group, and has served as a teacher and tutor in BEN’s Summer Learning Programme.

Suzette Cheeseman is a highly experienced educator at St. David’s Primary, serving as Reading Teacher, Primary 6 Language Teacher, and Deputy Principal. With over 30 years of experience teaching reading as well as P2 and P6, she brings deep expertise and leadership to her school community. Suzette continually broadens her professional practice and is trained in multiple evidence-based literacy programs, including Orton-Gillingham, Reading Recovery, Wilson Reading System, Levelled Literacy Intervention, FUNdations Ready to Rise, and UFLI. In her role as Deputy Principal, she works closely with the Principal to monitor and analyze data aligned with the School Improvement Plan, including MTSS, school climate, safety, health, and student achievement. She is an active member of the PTA executive committee and plays a key role in organizing community events, Spirit Weeks, food drives, and guest speakers, strengthening connections between school, families, and the wider community.

Tabathia Roberts is a dedicated and highly skilled educator known for her strong classroom management and ability to differentiate instruction to meet each student’s needs. Her classroom is grounded in clear expectations, consistent routines, and a supportive structure that promotes respect, inclusion, and encouragement. As a lower primary teacher, she emphasizes foundational skill development through multisensory approaches, including songs, movement, and hands-on learning. Ms. Roberts is deeply committed to professional growth, holding a certificate in Gamification in Early Childhood Education and Montessori and a diploma in Educational Psychology, and she is currently participating in the From Fingers to Decimals math workshop. She also serves as a Math Teacher Leader and contributes to the wider school community through active involvement in fundraising efforts and PTA meetings, strengthening partnerships between school and families.

Terry Henry is an inspiring music educator at Northlands and Paget Primary, renowned for his ability to engage students through their passions and interests. He sets high expectations, motivating students to strive for excellence both in the classroom and through extracurricular music opportunities. Each Friday, Mr. Henry leads a much-loved school assembly that has embedded a strong culture of music and singing across the school, drawing visitors and delighting nearby neighbors. Beyond the core curriculum, he works closely with the ASD classroom, uncovering students’ musical talents and using music to support learning and comprehension. He recently led a B.U.T workshop, A Musical Reflection, highlighting his cross-curricular approach. His school choir won the 2024 Skyport Christmas event and will perform at Disney Springs in 2025, reflecting his lasting impact on the school community.

Zola French-Ray is an exceptional educator at West Pembroke Primary, teaching in the Autism Classroom across all grade levels. Known for her patience, creativity, and calm presence, she fosters an inclusive environment where every student is valued. With a strong background in special education, her classroom features multisensory activities and accessible materials designed to meet diverse needs. A standout initiative was her Autism Awareness Month puzzle display, celebrating student individuality. Beyond the classroom, Zola hosts monthly “Coffee, Chat, and Chew” sessions for parents, supports inclusion through shared activities with mainstream classes, and advocates for art therapy. She also serves on the Health and Safety and Literacy Committees and actively secures corporate support to provide essential resources, including groceries, for students’ families.