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News | 17 August 2026

From Classroom Inspiration to the National Stage: IES Hässleholm’s Gala Finalist

Excitement builds across IES as two of our outstanding educators prepare for Lärargalan on 16 October. While Ms Stina Hammarlund from IES Kungsbacka has also secured a local win, today the spotlight shines on IES Hässleholm’s very own Ms Hester Esteves. Nominated for making a lasting impression in the classroom, she shares what this student-led recognition means, her core teaching philosophy, and how it feels to be heading to the grand final.

When the news broke that Ms Hester Esteves, teacher of Geography and Technology at IES Hässleholm, had been named a local winner for this year’s Swedish Teacher Awards, her colleagues were thrilled, warmly reassuring her that the recognition was long overdue. Knowing that the nomination came directly from her students makes the honour deeply personal. 

"It means the world to me. I work hard and pour my heart and soul into my lessons. Sometimes it can be very stressful, and there are times when I wonder whether what I am doing, and the way I am doing it, is understood, enjoyed or challenging the students in the right way. Receiving this award makes me feel that I am on the right track. It is incredibly inspirational and spurs me on to be even more understanding, engaging and prepared."

The warmth and enthusiasm behind her nomination are reflected directly in the glowing words of her students. In their nomination text, one student shared:

"She is a teacher who truly inspires. With dedication, patience, and passion, she makes Technology understandable, exciting, and relevant for us students. She believes in us, even when we doubt ourselves, and always takes the time to help and motivate."

The student went on to explain how her lessons foster creativity, problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for the future, adding that thanks to Ms Esteves, their own passion for Technology had grown enormously.

CREATING A SAFE AND INSPIRING CLASSROOM
When asked what defines a great teacher in today’s classroom, Ms Esteves emphasises that it comes down to a combination of factors built on mutual respect and strong preparation:

"If your students like and respect you, they will be much more willing to learn from you. But earning that respect means creating a classroom where students feel safe, valued and challenged. For me, that means being thoroughly prepared, enthusiastic, consistent, and accepting students for who they are. Sometimes the most important thing a teacher can do is simply listen."

To keep her Geography and Technology students engaged day after day, Ms Esteves actively bridges the gap between academic concepts and their daily lives:

"I try to stay up to date with the music, media, and content my students watch and read. When I can connect those things to a lesson, they relate to it. Whenever possible, I also include practical, hands-on activities so learning becomes an experience rather than just something they hear about. The key is to make learning something they do, not just something they receive."

While seeing a student grasp a complex idea brings immense joy, Ms Esteves finds that the true reward of her profession lies in the human connections built over time.

"In the classroom, it is that 'Ah-ha!' moment when they suddenly understand something – those are the moments I teach for. But beyond the lessons, it is the invaluable relationships built through sharing life. Knowing that a student feels safe enough to come to you when they need comfort, encouragement, or support is one of the greatest privileges of being a teacher."

LOOKING AHEAD TO STOCKHOLM
As the grand event in Stockholm approaches, Ms Esteves remains remarkably grounded about the recognition, choosing to view the platform as an opportunity to serve others.

"I feel very humbled and incredibly honoured, but I honestly don’t feel that I do more than so many of the wonderful teachers I know. There is also a certain amount of pressure that comes with receiving an award, but I really just want to continue doing what I have been doing all along – teaching, supporting and encouraging my students. I also recognise that this is a wonderful opportunity to represent IES and perhaps to inspire or support new teachers who are just starting. And, of course, I intend to enjoy the evening!"

With her teaching career coming to a close this year, the timing of the award carries profound personal significance, offering a moment to look back over four decades in the classroom with immense pride.

"Winning this local award has made me stop and reflect. I have found myself looking back over the last 40 years with an incredible sense of fondness and gratitude. As I come to the end of my teaching career this year, this accolade will be something I take with me as a kind of final stamp of approval – a quiet 'Well done. You made a difference.' The award itself is wonderful, but the memories of the students and the relationships I have built with them are what I will treasure most."

For anyone entering the classroom today, she offers a final piece of wisdom:

"Teaching is not just a career; it is a privilege. You have been given the opportunity to guide the hearts and minds of young people. There will be difficult days, but if you remember why you became a teacher and genuinely care about the people in your classroom, it is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do."

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TEACHER OF THE YEAR IN HÄSSLEHOLM, NOMINATION: "Hester Esteves is an inspiring and dedicated teacher who, with great passion and pedagogical skill, makes technology accessible, exciting, and relevant for her students. She creates a creative and safe learning environment where students are encouraged to think in new ways, dare to test their ideas, and develop their problem-solving abilities. With patience, empathy, and a strong belief in each student's potential, she motivates her students to grow and believe in themselves. Hester’s teaching sparks curiosity, confidence in the future, and a genuine interest in technology that stays with the students far beyond the classroom."