Tributes paid to Middlesbrough head teacher
Tributes have been paid to Teesside head teacher Karen Gleave, who passed away following a three-year battle with cancer.
Karen leaves her father Walter, sons Andy and Ross, a sister, brother and grandchildren.
Her sons commented that: “She was an amazing daughter, mother and nana as well as being the best friend and role model a son could ask for.”
A dedicated Middlesbrough FC season ticket holder, she enjoyed attending as many matches as possible.
Karen, who was also highly committed to the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths, arrived at Brambles Primary as a newly-qualified teacher in 2004. She progressed on to become head teacher in 2016.
During nearly 18 years with Brambles, Karen’s colleagues estimated that she had taught, supported and championed more than 2,000 children and their families.
Having studied at St George’s secondary school and St Mary’s Sixth Form College in Middlesbrough, Karen had gained a degree in Applied Psychology at Durham University before joining Brambles Primary.
The school’s acting head teacher Darren Higgins and Katrina Morley, CEO of Tees Valley Education Trust, wrote to parents and carers on Monday, following Karen’s passing on Friday.
They spoke of their “incredible sadness” in sharing the news about their “remarkable and tenacious colleague and friend”.
In their letter, Miss Morley and Mr Higgins spoke of the school’s “terrible loss”, while paying tribute to their colleague, writing: “She always had time to share and care and was passionate about the talent and brilliance at Brambles.
“Her commitment to children made her popular and she was genuinely loved and respected by all those who were privileged to know and work with her.
“She will always be remembered with so much love and affection.”