The leading teachers from across Worcestershire had cause to celebrate last week when they were among those to pick up prizes at this year's prestigious annual teaching awards, as reported in the Worcester News (right). Here, Joby Mullens finds out what makes three of the county's seven winners so effective in our children's classrooms

DAVE BUTLER, BAXTER COLLEGE, KIDDERMINSTER

AGE: 27.

Previous Schools: Catford in Lewisham, London.

Favourite Subjects: Anything silly, football, The Simpsons, Futurama, eating and drinking and of course music, as I'm a music teacher.

How long have you been teaching?: Five years.

Why you got into teaching: Because the clergy was full! Joking, who else gets to do something they love all day, every day?

Best/worst part of your job: The kids, the holidays and the ties - any order you like.

What you do in your holidays: Eat, drink, travel, work and thanks to one of my wife's brilliant ideas, train to run the London Marathon. Hey, if anyone wants to sponsor me I'm doing it for the charity Phab Kids.

How do you think you have made a difference?: I don't know, I guess you'd have to ask the students. All I try to do is to give them as many different experiences and opportunities as possible.

Where did you go to school?: Bowbrook in Hartlebury.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you?: Yeah, two actually. First was my headteacher at high school, Jon Styler, who believed in me and encouraged me with my music. Second is Ash Roach, the drama teacher at Baxter, who like Mary Poppins - and he is a lot like Mary Poppins - can find the element of fun in any job.

How do you think the education system could be improved in this country?: If I could answer that in one sentence this would be a Jeremy Paxman interview! If I had to give two areas, I'd say there needs to be more funding directly into the classroom, and not to advisers and working groups. And I'd make all schools religion-free zones.

What have been the biggest challenges in your career?: Trying to keep up with, and make a reality, all the fantastic ideas the pupils and staff I work with have. My other big challenge is the inimitable Dave Seddon, my current head. But what a great challenge he is. Every weird and wonderful idea I've dropped at his door so far he has agreed to, helped with and even improved, well sometimes! But don't relax just yet Mr Seddon, my ideas are only getting bigger.

What has been the most rewarding moment for you?: The students performing on stage and no longer needing me.

RACHEL COTON,

PERSHORE HIGH SCHOOL

AGE: 32.

Previous Schools: Cherwell High School, Oxford.

Favourite Subjects: History.

How long have you been teaching?: Ten years

Why you got into teaching: I was passionate about history from a young child and wanted to be able to share my passion with others.

Best/worst part of your job: Best part is the students, they make every day different varied and fun. Worst part is keeping up to date with government initiatives.

How are you spending your summer holiday?: I spend three weeks travelling at the start of the holidays so that I am back in time for the A-level results clinic. This year I will be visiting friends in America.

How do you think you have made a difference?: I hope that I have shared my enthusiasm and passion.

Where did you go to school? Haybridge High School, Hagley.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Yes, ironically, Clive Corbett, who is now my boss.

How do you think the education system could be improved in this country? Less testing, more fun.

What have been the biggest challenges in your career? Losing two students from Year 13 to cancer.

What has been the most rewarding moment for you? Achieving my position as head of sixth form at Pershore High.

LIZ QUINN, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN HIGH SCHOOL

Age: 48.

Previous Schools: Taught at Dartmouth High in Sandwell, Sowerby Bridge in Calderdale and Benjamin Gott High in Leeds.

Favourite Subjects: Studied geography as university but passionate about sport, the arts, languages and international education.

How long have you been teaching? Since 1981, but wearing well! Still love it and I have the best job in the world. They pay me to do this and I love it.

Why you got into teaching: I went to a school where I wasn't always happy. I wanted to make sure I tried to change that.

Best/worst part of your job: Best part - the students. They inspire and delight. Some students have a rotten start in life yet they are so resilient. We are so lucky in our schools that the students and staff get on so well. Worst part, always needing more funds to support improving learning and working in a building well past its sell-by date. The funding in schools hasn't gone up dramatically since I became head five years ago, but if you want quality you have to pay for it. Mind you, at Stourport High School we are very flexible and creative, that's why we are this year a High Performing Specialist School and in the Most Improved Schools Club nationally.

What you do in your holidays: I always work for the last three weeks but I give myself chill time straight after term finishes. I love travel. This year I'll be taking a break in the south-west of France.

How do you think you have made a difference?: The whole team of staff, parents and students are united in improving the school and getting the school and town recognised for the great people who live and work here. I've always said if you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you always got. That's why people have been prepared to change and work together for the good of the community.

Where did you go to school? St Joseph's RC High School for Girls.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Mr O'Connor - I thought he was going to teach me history, instead he taught me to think. He was brilliant and inspired me to become a teacher.

How do you think the education system could be improved in this country? I think we have made fantastic strides recently but there is no doubt that investing in early years, nursery and pre-school education gets children off to the very best start. I am already discussing with primary school heads how we can get involved and support early years education.

What have been the biggest challenges in your career? Facing the death of students and colleagues. It is so hard to face this and feel you can adequately support those left behind.

What has been the most rewarding moment for you? There are too many to mention - the students do so many fantastic things. Twelve of them have just come back from China, being one of the very first exchanges from this country to visit China. Being recognised as one of the most improved and high performing schools is great for us because it recognises the hard work of everyone here. I do remember coming back into school and the staff had made a video of a normal Wednesday afternoon and put the track Proud behind it. It brought a lump to my throat.