An inspirational woman from a Neath Port Talbot special school is sitting top of the class after scooping the Admiral Swansea Sound Teacher of the Year award.
Caroline James, a teacher at Ysgol Maes Y Coed, was nominated for the award by the mother and grandmother of one her pupils.
Alison and Lynne Pearson said the devotion she shows to teaching Sam Pearson and his peers had touched their hearts and deserved recognition in South West Wales.
Last night Caroline attended a lavish ceremony at the Towers Hotel to receive the award.
Caroline said she doesn’t do the job to receive recognition.
“I love working at Ysgol Maes Y Coed,” she said. “The pupils and staff at the school are absolutely fantastic; I enjoy coming to work everyday!
“I get an enormous sense of fulfilment working with the pupils at the school, that’s enough recognition for me.”
Head teacher Helen Glover said Caroline deserved to win the award.
She said: “The school is enormously proud of Caroline. She is an excellent teacher who has built up a wonderful rapport with the pupils and their parents.”
Caroline has also been shortlisted for an Evening Post Pride Award for her work at Ysgol Maes Y Coed.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Ali Thomas said the teachers in the county borough play an enormously important role in the local communities.
“Ysgol Maes Y Coed is an excellent school and each and every member of staff deserves recognition,” he said. “I am delighted and would like to congratulate Caroline on her award and wish her all the best for the forth coming award ceremony.”
