2024 Food Educator of the Year Michelle Woodard, The King Edmund School, Essex
Michelle is one of those special teachers who knows exactly how to inspire her students, and all while teaching them the essential skills that will set them up for life.
In the 18 months since she joined the school’s staff, Michelle has constantly been discovering new ways to raise the profile of food tech, focusing on the importance of nutrition, cooking skills and making nutritious meals on a budget. She’s also set up a student-run kitchen, organised staff wellbeing cooking sessions, and often gets the parents involved in her lessons too.
Her creative skills were really put to the test when the school was forced to close for three months (due to asbestos) – but she organised for students to use kitchens in another local school, sourced and ordered ingredients out of her own pocket, and gave up her own time to support Year 11 and 13 students to complete their coursework.
Thanks to her dedication, even more students have been inspired to take up the subject, which is the sign of a true food hero.
Celebrity judge Jamie Oliver says, “Michelle’s dedication to promoting healthy eating habits and culinary education is truly inspiring. Her innovative approach to food education sets a high standard for educators nationwide. Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved recognition!”
I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT GIVING THE STUDENTS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM
– Michelle Woodard
We chatted to Food Educator of the Year, Michelle Woodard from The King Edmund School in Rochford, to find out what her teaching secret is…
“I can’t believe it, I’m so proud to win the award. It’s just great to have that recognition for the school, staff and students for all the hard work we’ve done. When the school was shut down for building work (due to asbestos), it took so much to keep the lessons going, so the kids weren’t affected. And it’s worked! It’s brilliant to work at a school that’s actually prioritising food. It was great to meet Jamie too, he’s such a lovely guy.”
It’s clear that students love coming to your class. What’s your secret?
I think it’s about caring about the kids. When I was a child, I had a food teacher who wasn’t very positive, which has made me passionate about being positive for my students. I also believe we’re teaching them skills that means they can go into careers afterwards. It’s not just making some cupcakes; it’s about being able to make yourself a healthy meal, being able to cook for your family and your friends. It’s such a fundamental skill.
Your Year 10s just came straight in and started cooking with confidence. How did you achieve that?
It’s all in the foundations. It’s really good to see the growth in them, because they started out doubting their abilities, worried about using different bits of equipment, so it’s lovely to see that growth. There’s no better feeling.
You always seem to be going above and beyond…
It’s definitely not just a 9-to-5 job for me. It’s a passion, a vocation, which I know isn’t for everyone. But I’ve made it my mission to try to have that positive experience with the students and do the best I can for them.
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Miss Woodard’s Year 10 students and colleagues tell us what they think of her…
Aaron Lee Cooper says…
“She’s a very good teacher, the best one I’ve had for cooking. I’m really proud of her and she deserves this award. She gives me loads of support in class, and gives really good advice and different cooking techniques. My favourite recipe to cook is salmon en croûte. I want to continue to do Food Tech after GCSEs – especially if she’s teaching it! It’s her genuine kindness and being really helpful that makes me want to come to class.”
Gipsy Bliss Thomas says…
“I’m so happy for ma’am, she really deserves this award. Because every day she goes above and beyond to make our lessons great, adapting it to everyone’s needs, catering for everyone. She really listens and takes into account what everyone’s cooking. She really is amazing. I think cooking is something you need to know, it’s a critical skill. Especially when you go on to university and your parents aren’t there and you need to cook your own meals. Healthy eating is a big thing, and cooking your own food is cheaper.”
Elena Pakiyanis says…
“Miss deserves this award so much. She teaches us so well, it would’ve been more surprising if she didn’t win the award! She makes the effort to explain stuff so that it’s easy to understand. And even if you don’t, she explains it again in a way you will understand.”
Georgia May Norton says…
“She’s definitely my favourite teacher in the school. It’s not surprising she’s the best in the country! She understands even if you have the slightest struggle, which is so important. It’s just obvious that she actually cares. It’s really nice. It’s a breath of fresh air. Coming to her lessons does make me feel prepared for when I grow up – I’ll be able to cook for myself and it’ll be fine.”
Lisa Taylor, her colleague in food tech, says…
“When I joined the school, Michelle was already breathing new life into the department. Now it’s a very popular subject with the students. Michelle has a very calming presence and doesn’t get aggravated by any issues, so her classes are great. It’s great to hear the kids getting excited about food, they are very engaged.”
Celeb judge Jamie Oliver says: “Michelle’s dedication to promoting healthy eating habits and culinary education is truly inspiring. Her innovative approach to food education sets a high standard for educators nationwide. Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved recognition!”
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