‘i love watching my students blossom’

THE SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER

VICTORIA ENGLISH, 50, is a special educational needs teacher at Coleg Gwent in Wales, and a vocal advocate across many communities for the importance of good mental health. She encourages her students to work with charities to raise money and awareness for local, national and international causes, raising hundreds of pounds each year, and promoting self-confidence and independence among her students.

Victoria says: ‘I’m incredibly passionate about the students fulfilling their potential, and their wellbeing is pivotal for me because without good mental health, they are unable to engage with the curriculum. My students are often on the autistic spectrum, some have mild global delay, others profound learning disability, many have suffered bullying and have very low self-esteem. We show them strategies to build self-confidence, resilience and independence, employing mindfulness techniques and taking the focus from the self to what we can do for others. I love equipping young people with tangible ways to look after their mental health, and watching them grow and blossom.’ Anja Nielsen, who nominated Victoria, says: ‘Victoria has made it her mission to campaign for the hidden voices of those with learning difficulties, specifically in relation to mental health. She always ensures a focus on what her students can achieve, rather than what they may struggle with. Her students are some of the kindest and most ambitious young people I have ever met, despite their challenging learning circumstances, and I fully believe that this is due to Victoria’s commitment to them.’