LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

« Return to Nominee List

Machelle Enright

Position: Special Education Teacher (2nd-4th)
School: Palm Valley Elementary School
School District: Litchfield Elementary School District
City, State: Goodyear, AZ

Support Machelle Leave a comment Get Updates

Machelle Enright was nominated by her principal, Jennifer Benjamin.

Mrs. Enright is a remarkable woman and a big part of her school's Inclusion Revolution program. The Inclusion Revolution program offers general education students in 2nd - 5th grade an opportunity to participate as peer tutors in the self contained classroom for a reverse mainstreaming opportunity. Her special education students also mainstream out and now have friendships in classrooms, on the playground, and at lunch because of the Inclusion Revolution program.  This has changed the dynamics and culture on campus for all students. 

Mrs. Enright is remarkable with all students. She always finds ways to go above and beyond for her children. She makes sure that her students have all the opportunities that general education students have and nurtures their strengths. Students in her classroom love coming to school, learning new things, and making friends. Parents are in awe of the growth their children have while in Mrs. Enright's classroom. Students not only achieve academic growth, but social growth and life-skills development, as well. Mrs. Enright has also coached the Let Me Run program, which provides male fourth and fifth grade students a place to run, build friendships and connections, and learn positive character traits in a safe environment.

Mrs. Enright also has two therapy dogs on campus that come to school with her everyday. Students across campus know her because of her dogs, and the relationships she has built with students is unprecedented. Additionally, she surprises her colleagues with little treats and helps to build a "family" atmosphere on campus!

"Mrs. Enright is always thrilled to come to school, and it's evident in her smile that greets every person on campus," Benjamin said. "She goes above and beyond at school and in her classroom for her students. Palm Valley is a better place because of Mrs. Enright!"

Comments (2)

Scot Enright Posted over a year ago

I realize these comments might be viewed as bias, but they will also provide some added insight to an individual that aspires daily to work with special needs children. These individuals set themselves apart because they choose to teach special needs children through their own personalized, individually focused curriculum that they themselves develop. When Machelle was offered the opportunity to move from Iowa to Arizona, she did not hesitate and saw it as an opportunity to bring change to Arizona schools. It didn't matter that she took a 13k pay cut. She loves what she does. She trained and takes daily, two Bernese Mountain Therapy Dogs to leverage the students experiences within her classroom and to enhance the Inclusion Revelation program throughout the school. She is, one of the most amazing people you would ever want to meet. To her everyone is special.

Cindy Sandner Posted over a year ago

Machelle is a truly dedicated individual who adores the students she works with. She is a true ROCKSTAR!