Our time at school - and memories thereafter - are often shaped by teachers.
Those we remember fondly can alter our stance on a subject, our principles and, in some cases, our futures.
And two primary teachers from the region are proving they are doing just that - after winning a top teaching award.
Adam Parkhouse, a senior teacher at Cantley Primary School, and Johnny Lee, PE and sport coordinator at Red Oak Primary in Lowestoft, are two of 56 teachers around the country to be given silver awards in the Pearson Teaching Awards.
Both were selected in the Teacher of the Year in a Primary School category and are now in with a chance of winning one of 11 top gold awards.
Judges spent a day with both teachers, interviewing pupils, parents and colleagues, before revealing their final decision last week.
Mr Parkhouse, who has been at the school for eight years, said: 'I was incredibly anxious about it - I was on the computer all day checking, but then my headteacher Chris Aitken announced it at assembly in front of parents, which was a lovely way to find out.
'I'm incredibly honoured - I'm sure there are lots of great teachers out there who deserve it too.
'I've always tried to be innovative in my teaching and I've got a good, laid-back relationship with pupils, who have been brilliant.'
He said the youngster who nominated him had been with him for four years, and was 'delighted' he'd won an award.
Meanwhile, Mr Lee, who has been at the school for three years, said he was also told in a surprise assembly, and was 'completely overwhelmed'.
Mr Lee has set up girls football teams, a special needs sports club, fun runs for charity and runs weekend trips to watch Norwich City and Ipswich Town play.
He said: 'It's really overwhelming to be honest and I couldn't believe it.
'I said to the children that the award is as much for them as me - it's them winning our trophies and getting stuck into sport, so it's a team win.'
• Do you have an education story? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
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