A COMMUNITY is mourning the loss of a hugely popular and inspirational teacher who touched the lives of all students he met and revolutionised teaching in his department.

Comment: The response to this tragedy underlines the value of the teaching profession when it is at its best

Michael McMonigle has been described as a “true one off” with a unique sense of humour and fun, which he used to touch and change the lives of staff and students at Hurworth School, near Darlington, where he was head of religious studies.

Known affectionately as Mr Mac, the dedicated teacher joined the school in 1998 following six years at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, and quickly became a much-loved staff member, thanks to his infectious personality and enthusiasm for the job.

The 45-year-old was also named Darlington’s secondary school teacher of the year in 2005, before scooping the award for the North-East teacher of the year the following year.

He died earlier this week.

The Northern Echo:

The school issued a statement on behalf of all staff which said: “Michael believed in the power of fun, he loved silliness and play and used these to touch and change students’ and staff lives. 

"We will miss him incredibly as a colleague, friend and teacher and staff and students both past and present will all be left with a huge void in their hearts.”

The statement said Mr McMonigle's enthusiasm for his job was endless, and added: “He was invariably the first to arrive at work and the last to leave and during that time his byword was that every student who he encountered during that time would have had an enjoyable experience whether it be in the classroom or in the corridor.

“Staff morale was always given an injection of laughter and merriment at weekly staff meetings by Michael’s unique sense of humour."

Mr McMonigle was said to have revolutionised teaching in his department and made religious studies one of the most popular subjects at the school.

Despite not being an official member of the school’s pastoral team, Mr McMonigle would often be the go-to teacher for students experiencing problems.

His classroom also became the focal point of the school, with children congregating before class, during break time and lunch, and after school for social and academic activities. 

The tribute from school staff described their colleague’s approach to teaching as “extraordinary” and added: “Needless to say it was Michael’s lesson plans that the staff used to model their lessons on. 

“Michael knew that within his lessons there was an opportunity for real impact that would affect children for the rest of their lives.”

The Northern Echo:

Following the announcement, past and present pupils took to social media to share their memories and leave tributes to the much-loved teacher.

Writing on Twitter, Vicky Paver described Mr McMonigle as an inspiration, and said he was one of the reasons she became a teacher.

While Jill Easton, a former colleague, added: “He was a true one-off. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him. He didn’t just touch lives - he put a massive handprint all over them.”

A Facebook page entitled 'RIP Mr Mac' has also attracted hundreds of tributes.

The Northern Echo:

Writing on the page, Mandy Slater said: “Extremely sad news, Mr Mac was an inspirational, kind man who believed in and cared about all pupils past and present and had time for them all.”

Adrian Cottam added: “Mr Mac was a true legend in teaching. He went out of his way to help you in any way possible. His lessons were always entertaining, funny and imaginative.”

Dozens of floral tributes have also been left outside the school gates and a memorial event is due to be held on Monday (August 17) outside the main entrance at 6pm.