Face of Flanders: Christophe Laes

Of those, the jury selected 200 finalists, culminating in the choice of one winner: Christophe Laes, who teaches the sixth year at Hertog Jan primary school in Kortenberg, Flemish Brabant. The prize was presented last week by Flemish education minister Hilde Crevits.

Meester Christophe, as he is known to the pupils, colleagues, parents and even some grandparents who nominated him, was praised for his ability to make children – the sixth year is made up of children around the age of 12 – confident in themselves and ready to try out new things.

“In my last class I was bullied,” one girl told Klasse. “Meester Christophe made sure that stopped, and now things are much, much better.”

The parents of one gifted child explained how their daughter had been moved forward a year but had difficulty adapting to the class of older children. “Meester Christophe focused on her well-being in the class, so she was able to finish primary school successfully.”

“Thanks to him our grandson was able to go to sport school,” one of the grandparents explained. “Now he plays for the first team of KV Oostende football club.”

Despite the award of the prize to one in 3,000, Klasse editor Hans Vanderspikken stressed that the Teacher of the Year competition is a salute to all teachers, with Meester Christophe first among equals. “Every day we at Klasse see teachers creating opportunities, stimulating self-confidence, making time for students and really listening, encouraging children to be themselves,” he said.

“They take part in the development of strong personalities and active citizens, teaching how to live together and think critically, giving strength and confidence. And they often have a lasting impact on the lives of many students.”

As proof of that last statement, a video on the Klasse website features moving tributes from pupils, former students and parents to teachers all over Flanders.

Photo courtesy Basisschool Hertog Jan