Isabella Alltraine, of Nelson Grove Road, Wimbledon, has been nominated for a Merton community award in the teachers category for her work at Rutlish School.

English teacher Ms Alltraine said: “I was really surprised and didn’t expect it at all. It’s a lovely thing to be noticed and appreciated.

“We try hard to push our students the best we can, and it’s lovely that there are things that recognise that.”

Originally from the Philippines, Ms Alltraine earned her BA in English from Queen Mary University of London and her Master’s degree in English from University College London and began teaching six years ago.

She spent one year at Harris Academy, on Maberley Road in Crystal Palace, and then moved to her current post at secondary school Rutlish School.

She said the inspiration for her to begin teaching came from her family, who were all teachers.

Ms Alltraine said: “It’s always been what I wanted to do since I was a little girl.”

She added that teaching also gave her time to pursue her other hobby, writing, in her spare time.

Ms Alltraine has published a novel, “Heartbound,” which is available on Amazon, and written award-winning poetry.

She said she tries to impart to her students the message that nobody is limited in their pursuits in life.

Ms Alltraine said: “It’s not just about getting a student through an exam, it’s about helping to open doors for our students’ futures and making a difference in their lives.”

Nominate someone by voting online at www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/mca or fill out a form in the Wimbledon Guardian newspaper. Nominations close on Friday, August 12.