BIS Houston Teaching Assistant Named Finalist for Tes International School Awards 2026

The British International School of Houston is delighted to announce that Mrs P (Susila Pugazhenthi) has been named a finalist for Teaching Assistant of the Year at the prestigious Tes International School Awards 2026. Her nomination recognises the exceptional difference she makes to children, families and colleagues every day through her care, expertise and dedication.
 
For almost a decade, Susila has been part of the BIS Houston global family. Since joining the school in 2016, she has supported children through classroom learning, targeted phonics interventions, music and movement programmes, wraparound care and cultural leadership. Whatever the role, she approaches it with warmth, professionalism and an unwavering belief in every child's potential.
 
At the British International School of Houston, we are dedicated to helping every student achieve excellence academically, personally and socially in an inclusive, vibrant and globally connected community. Through Mrs P's work, children are inspired to grow, supported to succeed and empowered to shape the future.
 
Affectionately known as our school's "child whisperer", Mrs P has a remarkable ability to help children feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom and can be seen in the confidence, happiness and success of the children she supports every day.
 
Success is measured through a combination of quantifiable pupil progress, observational evidence and highly positive feedback from children, families and colleagues. Mrs P plays a key role in delivering targeted phonics support for Early Years pupils. Assessment data from her phonics groups demonstrates clear progress in early reading and writing skills, with children making accelerated gains in letter recognition, blending, segmenting and confidence as emergent readers. Her careful observation and responsive teaching ensure support is tailored to individual needs, enabling all children to access learning successfully.
 
Beyond academic outcomes, Mrs P's impact is evident in children's confidence, engagement and wellbeing. Through the music and movement sessions she leads, pupils develop greater confidence in expressive arts and design, increased participation in performances and assemblies, and stronger communication skills. Teachers routinely observe children becoming more willing to take risks, perform in front of others and engage positively with their peers.
 
Success is also reflected in the relationships she builds with children and families. Parent feedback consistently highlights the sense of belonging and trust she creates. One parent described her as the person who transformed their child's experience of school, helping a previously nervous three-year-old settle happily within just two days.
 
One parent shared:
"The change in my daughter has been night and day, and I know that Ms. P has been a huge contributing factor in that."
 
Reflecting on the difference Mrs P made during her daughter's transition to school, she added:
"Ms. P has an incredibly gentle and nurturing way with children, and the relationships she builds with them are testament to the kind of person she is. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her both as a colleague and as someone who has played such an important role in my daughter's life."
 
"She truly embodies everything an exceptional teaching assistant should be, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition."
 
Mrs P's line manager described the impact she has on children, families and colleagues throughout the school community:
"We affectionately call her our 'child whisperer' because of her incredible ability to settle our youngest and newest children into school."
 
"One parent described Susila as being 'like an extra family member,' which perfectly captures the sense of trust and belonging she creates."
 
Her impact extends far beyond her formal role. She knows every child exceptionally well, building relationships based on trust, respect and care. Families often view her as an extension of their support network. Alongside this, she contributes to phonics interventions, Early Years music and movement programmes, wraparound care and daily classroom learning. Her influence reaches every aspect of school life.
 
Her Tes Awards nomination highlights the qualities that make her such a valued member of the BIS Houston global family:
 
"What sets Susila apart is her extraordinary ability to make every child feel seen, valued and safe."
"Whether supporting an anxious child on their first day of school, helping a child regulate emotions or encouraging a reluctant learner to participate, Susila consistently creates an environment where children thrive."
"Ultimately, her vision is simple yet powerful: every child should feel known, cared for and empowered to achieve their potential."
"Susila's rare combination of expertise, empathy, cultural leadership and unwavering commitment to children makes her truly exceptional and a valued member of our community."
 
The children themselves perhaps say it best:
"She is the best teacher ever!"
 
Children frequently identify her as their favourite adult in school, describing her as "kind", "funny" and someone who "helps when you're sad".
 
Mrs P also leads whole-school Diwali learning, enriching pupils' understanding of culture, identity and global citizenship. Through assemblies, classroom activities and conversations with children, she helps develop globally minded learners who appreciate different cultures and traditions. Her influence extends across every aspect of school life, helping children become confident learners, empathetic friends and resilient individuals with strong foundations for future success.
 
As a school community, we are incredibly proud to see Mrs P's work recognised on an international stage. Her nomination reflects the care, expertise and commitment she brings to school every day, and the impact she has on BIS Houston students and families.
 
We wish Mrs P the very best of luck at the Tes International School Awards 2026 and congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.
 
Congratulations, Mrs P. Thank you for inspiring children to grow, supporting them to succeed and empowering them to shape the future.