Teacher who performed 'a miracle' up for Woman of the Year award
by JENNY MONROE
Knockmore Primary School Teacher Mrs. Pamela Jones has been nominated for the Woman Of The Year in the Education category, with Mrs. Emma McAfee who nominated her. US4811-107A0
THE Acting Vice Principal of Knockmore Primary school has been nominated for a 'Woman of the Year' award by the grateful mother of one of her pupils. Pamela Jones was nominated in the education category by Emma McAfee who said of her son Tyler's teacher: "My son who has Autism started Year One in Pamela's class with a two and a half year delay in his development. Two months into Year two, he only has a six month delay. She has expertise I can't comprehend and to me has performed nothing short of a miracle with our son."
Emma continued: "Tyler used to be almost mute; communicating mainly through gestures, was incapable of playing and interacting with other children and was petrified of people being in the same space as him. Now my son speaks in sentences, participates in activities, has lots of friends and he can go to the park without panicking and will go on things other children are on. Tyler has no clue what she's doing for him but we do. She's giving him solid foundations for a very bright future and made the path that much clearer for us as parents."
Emma added: "Her vibrant energy and passion she has for her job is clear in her dedication to all children, especially those with special educational needs like my son. What makes her so special? She's a mainstream teacher and acting vice principal who isn't a specialist in Autism. She has made a huge difference to our lives."
Pamela said she was thrilled and humbled by the nomination. She commented: "I have wanted to be a Year One teacher since I was 4 years old and love going to work every day. I have worked in Knockmore for 15 years and cannot imagine working anywhere else."
She continued: "Tyler has made great progress throughout his time at Knockmore and he is very relaxed and happy. He chats away and socializes with the children in his class and his confidence is increasing all the time. This has opened doors to help him learn."
Pamela added: "The results that we have been able to achieve with Tyler are due to team work and the unique structure of the school. We have onsite specialism and a very well trained staff.
"I am even more delighted that I can enjoy the award ceremony knowing that Knockmore's future is safe after the SEELB decided not to proceed with their Proposal for Closure."
She concluded: "If I were to win this award, and even being nominated for it, reflects the commitment of all of the staff at Knockmore Primary School in helping all children achieve their full potential."
Ulster Star
09/12/2011
