“DANIELLE Walker is the best teacher around”, “this lady is like no other” and “Miss Walker has a special gift” – these are just some of the wonderful things parents and pupils said about our Primary School Teacher of the Year – Danielle Walker.
Thirteen outstanding winners have been honoured as part of this year’s Warrington Guardian Education Awards.
The annual awards aim to celebrate schools, nurseries and colleges across the town, championing pupils and students, teachers and assistants, and classes and teams.
READ MORE:
All the worthy winners of the Warrington Guardian Education Awards
Danielle teaches at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, changing the lives of dozens of young people over the past few years.
Parents took to our website to nominate Danielle for this award saying she is “such a happy, positive and fantastic teacher” and “it’s no wonder so many of the children want her as their teacher!”
One nomination said: “My son was quite nervous and suffered with some anxiety when starting Year 2 as he was comparing himself to other children who he deemed to be better than him academically.
“I spoke to Miss Walker privately and by the next day she had moved my son within the class so he was nearer to the front and felt less conscious when needing to ask for help.
“This was all done with the utmost discretion and he’s never been happier.
“Miss Walker even managed to turn this shy boy in to Joseph at the Christmas Nativity who sang solo on stage in front of all the families of Year 2 children - this was no mean feat!
“She puts so much belief and confidence in these children it’s unbelievable.”
Teacher of the Year Danielle Walker
Danielle has recently supported her class through the Key Stage One SATs, encouraging the youngsters to do their best every day and constantly telling them how proud she is of them all.
Danielle’s planning of the Year 2 residential in July also received a special mention, with the dedicated teacher contacting all parents to ask if their child had any specific night-time routines or requirements – something which is important to six and seven-year-olds and also to their parents.
One mum said: “Miss Walker reached out to us individually to check if the children needed a cuddle or a bedtime story – everything a worried mum wants!”
Another parent said: “I personally have never met a teacher like Miss Walker before - she is outstanding, kind, positive and so engaging with the children - she’s simply amazing!
“She once told me she was like a stick of rock and if you broke her she would have ‘Sacred Heart’ running through her - she’s not wrong.
“Nobody deserves this award more than Miss Walker.”
WATCH DANIELLE RECEIVE HER AWARD:
Danielle, who won the same honour six years ago, said: “I feel incredibly honoured to win Teacher of the Year, being awarded for doing something that I love and something that makes me so incredibly happy.
“I feel so lucky that families from school took the time to nominate me and I am so grateful.
“I am so lucky I get to do the job I do, with the most amazing colleagues, families and most importantly children!”
Deputy headteacher Jane Laverack at Sacred Heart said: “I am super proud of Danielle.
“This award will mean so much to her and is well deserved.
“Danielle never fails to go above and beyond for our children and families and this award is a lovely recognition of all that hard work.”
Teacher of the Year Danielle Walker is congratulated by Headteacher of the Year Colleen Everett
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