Michelle Madziak, who works at Green Park School, was nominated by colleagues for being an advocate who ensures that the voice of pupils is heard and acted on, even when pupils are non-verbal, and for finding solutions to potential barriers in order for pupils to progress.
Headteacher Lorraine Dawney said: “We and the Governors want to celebrate the positive impact Michelle has made and the joy and successful outcomes pupils have in their learning.”
Assistant Headteacher Heather Martin added: "We are so proud of Michelle. Her positive attitude helps her motivate and lead many people at Green Park.
"Her love of learning is evident in her everyday work and is passionate about the key skills pupils need to learn. Seeing that work experience opportunities for our learners are minimal, she has created ‘Deals on Wheels’ – a school shop that pupils run to increase their independence and life experience.
"As part of the school improvement team, she also leads on whole school priorities, ensuring and assuring that all teams are achieving ambitious standards.
“The school community love working with Michelle; she is a role model to all colleagues and we are delighted she has been named Teacher of the Year.”
Michelle said: “It feels amazing to be recognised by my colleagues and a national association. I feel honoured to work with the pupils and they were just as excited as I was. The pupils teach me something new every day!”
Phil Leivers, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Head of Service, Educational Excellence, said: "This is a tremendous accolade for Michelle and I would like to congratulate her on her achievement. Teachers help students learn, grow, and develop into their best selves, and Michelle has demonstrated what an excellent job she is doing for young people at Green Park."
The National Association for Special Educational Needs is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
It provides free resources and support for all members, leading targeted programmes and projects to deliver widespread improvements, offering a structured programme of professional development, accredited training and conferences as well as a package of SEND services throughout the UK and internationally.
