Teacher 'honoured' to receive national award

Michelle Madziak was named teacher of the year by the National Association for Special Educational Needs

A teacher has said she felt honoured after receiving a national award in recognition of her work to support children with special educational needs.

Michelle Madziak, who works at Green Park School in Wolverhampton, was named teacher of the year by the National Association for Special Educational Needs (Nasen).

She was nominated by her colleagues, who described her as an advocate who ensured the voice of pupils was heard.

Ms Madziak said it was amazing to be recognised by both her colleagues and the 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,” she added.

The school’s assistant headteacher Heather Martin said Ms Madziak was a key member of the school improvement team and helped to ensure they “reached its ambitious standards”.

She said the teacher’s positive attitude helped to lead and motivate the people she worked with.

"Her love of learning is evident in her everyday work and is passionate about the key skills pupils need to learn,” she said.