It's time to recognise those brilliant teachers who devote their lives to their vocation, inspiring thousands of students along the way. Everyone knows how much work teachers put in and that they're not always given the credit they deserve, so why not nominate someone who's touched your life in the Teacher of the Year Awards for 2008?

Schools, headteachers, teaching assistants, learning partners and school governors can also be nominated for a gong, and it only takes a moment to click on to www.teachingawards.com. Even better, anyone can nominate – so if your schooldays are long behind you, you can still make your vote count.

The Awards, established by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998, are divided into 11 different categories, including the Ted Wragg Award for Lifetime Achievement. This year, it was a music teacher seizing that prize in the East of England region – Grant Seager of Walton Community School , Peterborough . Colleagues, pupils and parents all praising Mr Seager's dedication to his students and to the department he ran for 30 years before his recent retirement, with tributes pouring in from all quarters.

‘You just want to get it right for Mr Seager,' said one student, and schoolmates added compliments including the mantels of ‘supersonic legend', ‘the Alex Ferguson of the music world', and ‘a truly smashing chap' who will never be aware of ‘how many young people he's influenced'.

If you know someone in England , Wales or Northern Ireland who deserves equal accolades, go to the Teaching Awards website and make your nomination. The closing date for nominations is midnight on 1 March 2008.

www.teachingawards.com