Willow Springs Teacher Earns State Honor

A elementary school teacher was named the Wisconsin Early Childhood Special Education Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood.

Barb Michalak is a speech pathologist at the school and was nominated by Hamilton Special Services Supervisor, Mardi Freeman. This particular award honors an educator who goes beyond teaching to empower families in providing the best for their children.

Freeman noted Michalak’s years of dedicated service and willingness to go above and beyond to engage students and their families. Michalak is actively involved in the district’s preschool program, presents at numerous parent, daycare and preschool information nights, and teaches a childhood summer school class each year.

A parent of Michalak’s students wrote in support of her nomination, acknowledging her professionalism and competence. She described Michalak as a phenomenal speech therapist who is highly respected for her excellent work and knowledge of language delays and speech impairments.

She also wrote about Michalak's valued parent involvement, often offering suggestions for things that could be done at home to stimulate language growth.

Michalak received her award Oct. 21 at the 2011 Above and Beyond Professional Development Luncheon which was part of the Wisconsin Early Care and Education