Maggie O'Connell was nominated anonymously.
As a special education teacher, Mrs. O'Connell believes that creating a positive classroom environment starts with love, trust, and understanding. She strives to build a sensory-friendly space where every student feels safe, supported, and valued just as they are. Mrs. O'Connell makes it a priority to form strong, meaningful connections with each child from the very beginning, because she genuinely believes that feeling seen and loved must come before any learning can take place. Her goal is for every student to know they are cared for deeply and that their classroom is a place where they belong.
This will only be Mrs. O'Connell's second year as a special education teacher, but her accomplishments during her first year were significant. Mrs. O'Connell has grown tremendously both professionally and personally by learning from her students each day. One of her most important accomplishments has been building strong, trusting relationships with students who need the most support, helping them feel safe, understood, and cared for at school.
She has also worked hard to build positive, collaborative relationships with families, earning their trust and partnering with them to support their children in meaningful ways. These connections have laid a strong foundation for student growth and inclusion. Mrs. O'Connell has gained confidence in herself as an educator, and that in itself is a massive accomplishment, one that motivates her to continue growing and advocating for her students every day.
Many of her students have autism or behavioral needs and require frequent opportunities to regulate in a calm, sensory-friendly space. Many of them require extensive repetition and hands-on experiences to make progress in their learning. Because of this, she works hard to find engaging, sensory-based ways to teach and re-teach essential concepts.
Maggie is a caring,genuine and amazing human being. She goes above and beyond to truly reach and understand each child. She genuinely cares about teaching as well as the individual child. This school as well as my family is forever grateful she is in our lives. We wish she could go on with our child until high school as she has that much of an impact in our home. We love you Maggie!
As a parent of one of Ms. O'Connell's special education students, I can say without a doubt she is deserving of this recognition! Ms. O'Connell goes above & beyond to create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where children feel valued and empowered. She truly sees her student's for who they are; celebrating their strengths and supporting them with patience, kindness, & genuine care. As a parent, it means everything to know my child is understood and supported by such an compassionate teacher.
I was very blessed to work closely with Maggie, having her support many students in my classroom last year. She’s an educator who sees each child’s potential. All students feel her love and respect for them. Maggie has a gift of a calm presence with high expectations. Her students feel cared for and believed in, so they truly flourish. Our entire school is lucky to have Maggie making it a better place!
I worked with Maggie last year during her first year of teaching special education students at our school. I was blown away by her maturity and positive attitude. She has a knack for knowing how to connect with students. The connections that she made led to amazing relationships and to her students making gains. Maggie was a part of our classroom community. Her warm heart and kindness made our classroom feel extra special. I have been watching Maggie continue to shine during her second year of teaching. She has created a program that allows our special education students to beam with pride as they deliver coffee and other drinks to staff on Friday mornings. Maggie attends functions outside of the school day to support her students. They feel so loved and validated by Maggie making time for them outside of the school day. Maggie wants to continue to grown as a professional. She has already started her graduate program to further build her knowledge base. Maggie is a gem and we are truly blessed to have her at our school!
Maggie is a LIFECHANGER!! She has a heart of gold!!
Maggie truly has a heart of gold!!
Maggie is a genuinely kind person who absolutely deserves this recognition!
Absolutely agree, she is the best teacher ever!!
Maggie is a life changer! She deserves this!
O'Connell is brilliant, compassionate, and incredibly responsive to the needs of her students. She is a rare gem! Her knowlege and the depth of her skill set far surpass her years of experience. Jackson Elementary School and the West Bend School District as a whole are better because of her hard work, ready smile, and positive leadership!
A truly remarkable human. A well deserved honor for you, Maggie. Congratulations!
Wholeheartedly agree with this nomination. Miss. O’Connell’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment make her an exceptional special education teacher and a powerful advocate for her students.
I had the utmost confidence that she would excel in her special education teaching role, knowing she would be leading with genuine sincerity and heart. Her smile and kind energy radiate to all those who surround her. Congratulations Maggie!
As a parent, I cannot say enough about the compassion and dedication Maggie shows as a special education teacher. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her students, making each one feel truly special, valued, and loved. Maggie genuinely cares about the well-being of every child she works with, not just academically, but emotionally as well.
After the recent loss of my husband, Maggie took our daughter under her wing without hesitation. She mourned alongside her, helped her peers understand how to support her at school, and provided comfort and stability during an incredibly difficult time. Maggie even attended the funeral, a gesture that speaks volumes about her sincerity and compassion. Her support and extra attention have meant more to our family than words can express. She is truly deserving of this award.
Congratulations Maggie, well deserved!!:)
Ms. O'Connell is a kind, knowledgeable and fun teacher! She collaborates with staff to make sure the needs of all students are met. Jackson is incredibly lucky to have her.
We are truly fortunate to have Maggie as an educator in WBSD. She continues to demonstrate how deeply she cares for the students she serves by building genuine relationships. As many have noted her kindness to students, staff, and families makes her most worthy of this honor.
Seeing a former student go off and do such amazing things is one of the greatest feelings for a teacher, as I'm sure you're already finding out yourself! Continue to represent this district and this profession in profound, life-changing ways for your students!
Maggie always has a smile on her face. She is kind, considerate and one who excels in all that she does. Congratulations, Maggie.
Miss O’Connell makes a difference in so many students’ lives every single day. Her kindness and care reach far beyond the students she teaches. She is always smiling, always patient, and always mindful of every child’s feelings. You can truly feel how much she loves what she does and how deeply she cares about all students. Her positive presence makes the school a warmer, safer place, and it does not go unnoticed. She is so deserving of this recognition.
It brings me so much joy to see Maggie recognized in this way. When I read through this nomination, I found myself nodding along because it perfectly captures the spirit she brings to the classroom every single day. Maggie puts so much heart into her students, and she does it with a sincerity that is rare to find. She truly is the very definition of an educator who sees the best in what we do. She understands that before you can teach a mind, you have to reach the heart. I am incredibly proud of the teacher she has become in such a short time, but I am even more proud of the amazing human being she is.
Maggie is an excellent teacher who is able to meet the needs of the most diverse students. Her strength is in her ability to create positive relationships with all of her students as she supports them in meeting their goals. She is very deserving of this award!
Having watched Maggie grow as a kind, caring child into an amazing and passionate special education teacher is an honor. It is a privilage to call her a both a friend and co-worker. Keep up the amazing work for students and families!!!
Maggie is SO deserving of this award!! The dedication and passion she has for her career and her students is admirable. She always goes above and beyond, and anyone who has the privilege of being around her is very lucky!!
As Maggie’s grand father, I am so proud of her for being nominated for this award. She has always been a caring lovable person and is a great teacher.
I have known Maggie O’Connell since the day she was born. She is a very sweet, caring, loving, fun, happy granddaughter. She exhibits all these qualities in everything she does. She loves her students and shares all these qualities with them. Her students and parents of her students are lucky to have Maggie as their teacher.
Congrats Maggie!! The relationships you’ve build with all of your kiddos are so special. Going above and beyond for everyone in your life is just who you are. You are beyond deserving of this opportunity!
I have had the pleasure of knowing Maggie for a long time and I can truly say that she is definitely the definition of Life Changer inside and out! Maggie I am so proud of the educator you have become! She is truly the best of the best and so deserving of this award.
As Maggie’s aunt i see her compassion, patience, live for helping others. She is kind and dedicated. She has a great smile and an excitement for life. Proud of you Maggie!
Let’s go Mags!!! So proud of all you’ve done and will continue to do!
Absolutely no shock whatsoever that this girl is up for life changer of the year award! She brightens every room she walks into and always brings her full heart!
It’s no surprise to me that Maggie would be nominated this early in her career! She is a natural leader and advocate for her students! Congratulations!
Maggie is a kind and caring person. She easily makes people comfortable around her. It is easy to see she loves being a teacher to her students and has a bright future ahead of her.
Congratulations Maggie on this amazing nomination. You are so deserving. Your kindness and dedication are so evident in everything you do. Your students are lucky to have you as their teacher. Your friends and family are lucky to have you too!
Maggie lights up a room when she walks in with her contagious smile! She is simply the best and I love her bright personality that will make any bad day turn in to the best day! The kiddos are so lucky to have her as a teacher!!!
Congrats Maggie, so well deserved!!
Maggie’s kind caring heart and dedication to meeting the unique needs of her students is inspiring. Her enthusiasm elevates the school culture, building community for all.
Can’t think of anyone more deserving than Maggie!!
Maggie is the sweetest and most helpful person. Very smart and an amazing teacher!
Maggie is a person of high personal character. I’ve known her for all of her formative years and she has always exhibited great concern for others.We are all better off with her among us!
Maggie O’Connell is awesome. She is very eligible for this honor. Not only is she a
Responsible teacher, but she is a very caring person. She also was involved for several years in Big Sister program in the Minneapolis area. I am sure she left a
Positive influence on her “little sister”.
Maggie is the best! So kind and hard working! Love her so much!
Maggie is my cousin and is the purest soul. I am not even surprised that she is nominated for this award. She is SO deserving!
Maggie is an amazing influence on kids both in and outside the classroom. Not only does she go above and beyond with students on her caseload, she also goes out of her way to positively impact other students and kids have well. Our son has had the unique opportunity to not only experience Maggie as a teacher but also as a “big sister “. She has created so many special memories for him as he has grown up. Maggie is truly a blessing and a gift to Jackson Elementary and our family.
Keep up the great work, Maggie!
Ms. O'Connell is more than deserving of this nomination. I’ve had the privilege to know Maggie as a classmate, coworker, roommate and of course…as a lifelong friend! Now that I am also working in the WBSD, I often look to Maggie for advice and guidance on how I can best support students. She never fails to provide valuable insight and her impact spreads far and wide throughout our community.
If you know Maggie, you know she always goes above and beyond for her students, their families, and the school as a whole. Above all, she puts love and respect at the core of her teaching. She’s that type of teacher we all needed as kids.
Congratulations on your nomination, Maggie! I can’t even say I’m surprised. You are the perfect candidate for this and most definitely deserve the recognition. Way to go!!! Xx
Hoping Maggie receives this award- love her dedication to working with individuals with special needs!
As long as I have known Maggie, she has always gone out of her way to be there for the people around her and she always goes above and beyond. She is an amazing young lady
Maggie never fails to have a smile on her face and show love to everyone around her. She emulates joy in every situation!
Maggie is the BEST teacher! She cares wholeheartedly for her students and the work she does!! She is changing and shaping the lives of all these kids!!
Thank you for everything you do to support the health and safety of kids and their families! The work you do is truly inspirational and the world needs more people with your heart and kindness!!
Keep up the great work Maggie!
I’ve never met anyone who deserves it more!
You’re amazing! Keep it up.
Good job, Maggie! I appreciate you!
Maggie is amazing! One of the kindest people I know in my life. She lives life with a smile on her face and always making everyone around her smile. She is an inspiration to so many around her!!
Maggie is truly one of a kind; nobody else is more deserving of this recognition!!
Miss O’Connell is exactly what her students need.
Maggie truely is one of a kind!! She has the sweetest soul and biggest heart. There is no doubt that she gives love to everyone she meets. There is no one more deserving!!
Miss O’Connell is a LIFE CHANGER!!!
This girl is simply amazing!! And knowing she is sharing her amazing personality and charm with her kids is truly not surprising but to be honored for such an award is so wonderful! We are the ones blared to have this young lady in our lives! I hope her students, the parents of said students, her co-workers and superiors know how valuable she is and how lucky they are to have her in their lives. I know she would say, it is she who is the lucky one, but she is a humble wonderful human being! Thanks Mags for doing all you do!
Maggie all of your kids are so lucky to have you! You put in so much time and effort and it shows. So proud of you And everything you do. You are the best big sister and role model to all!
She carries being a good person way beyond teaching
She makes other people around her feel good just by her attitude
Maggie truly has the biggest and kindest heart for kids. Any child that is lucky enough to be in Maggie's hands will do amazing things. Maggie is so caring, has the biggest smile and the warmest heart. Maggie will leave such an impression in all the children she has in her care. Any child that will be in Maggie's care, she will strive to do her best to make them feel smart, loved and pushed to their best. She is very much loved by everyone who gets the joy to meet her. She is very much deserving of the Lifechanger of the year award. She has been so instrumental in the those kids lives and has so many more years to nurture so many kids lives to pass by her.
Mags, from the time you were a little girl you have always had a passion for helping others! Your heart is made of pure gold! You will change anyone's life that you touch with it! Love you! And I am so proud of the woman you have become!
-Tiff
Thank you for all you do for kids- every child truly deserves a champion at school and I know you do that for so many!
Maggie has always been a kind and compassionate person. She puts her whole heart into all that she does and strives to be her best. Maggie's warmth and passion radiate to all who meet her. She is truly deserving!
Thank you for the kind words!!! Hoping I win the big bucks and can take the kids to Disney ;)
Miss O’Connell is the BEST!!!!
Maggie is a superstar teacher!!! Always putting her students first!
Ms. O’Connell deserves this award more than ANYONE!!
I have the privilege of being supported by Maggie O'Connell this year. I've been a regular education educator for 30 years, and Maggie supports 3 of my students this school year. Maggie is calm, patient and empathetic. She's quickly mastered the IEP process and adapts instruction to fits each student's individual needs. Maggie is organized, collaborative and creative. Her sense of humor and student advocacy make her a joy to work with and a true LIFE CHANGER!
Thank you for your commitment to supporting kids in our school community. Your positive energy and genuine ability to make deep connections strengthens the work you do everyday. We are lucky to have you as part of our district team.
Maggie has done so much for our family. We love her so much! She’s made school such a positive for my “daughter” that we are entirely grateful for. YAY MAGGIE!!
Yay Maggie! I have known Maggie her entire life, as her mother is one of my best friends. Although that has allowed me to watch her grow into a amazing human, I also am a special education teacher and administrator, which gives me an additional lens into what Maggie does every day. She understands her students, she looks for opportunities for her students, she purchased specific items for her classroom based on each of her students needs and interests and she is just a wonderful person, so her students are able to experience that positive energy each and every day. Congrats again Maggie, you deserve all the accolades and love you are given!
Maggie has been a blessing to our Evie and our family. She has helped Evie by not trying to change her but understand her and see her for who she is. Evie needs help with regulating her emotions and Maggie because of how well she has gotten to know Evie has been able to guide Evie and help her to find ways that can be incorporated to manage and help. This has been positive in helping Evie to gain confidence in herself and be able to learn because the emotional part has become less and more manageable. Evie feels safe and comfortable at school knowing she has not only Maggie but a group of educators that truly love to see her succeed and have a special place in their heart for her, as we do as a family for Maggie and her team. We consider ourselves so blessed to have Maggie part of Evie’s educational journey, and her life journey. So much respect, gratefulness and love for what she has done for and continues to help her in her schooling. Evie, Kerri and Cassie
Maggie is a natural teacher and advocate for the children she is blessed to work with !! She puts connections and relationships with all those around her as a priority!!
My nephew is a student of Mrs. O'Connell's. She is such a caring teacher who goes above and beyond for her students!
My son is in 4th grade and he said that Mrs. O’Connell is really kind and fun to be around! We hear her name come up at home due to her patience and kindness! Top teacher for sure! Thank you for all your dedication to all the students!
Congratulations Maggie! You are an amazing influence on your students. A well deserved award. We are so lucky to have you at Jackson!
Maggie makes a huge difference in the lives of her students. She works with some students in my classroom and the connection that she has made with them is beyond admirable. She builds a relationship with her students grounded with respect and love. We are so incredibly lucky to have Maggie here at our school.
Ms. O'Connell is a true asset to the team of educators at Jackson Elementary School. She consistently goes above and beyond to make her students feel valued, seen and heard. She specifically tailors her teaching style to the unique needs of each individual student. Ms. O'Connell has recently implemented a coffee shop within the school where students with special needs are able to become more independent and gain confidence while learning life skills and interacting with others in a positive manner. She is also active in the community, outside of school hours, participating in PTO events as well as recently attending our daughter's Down Syndrome Awareness Walk. She truly cares about each and every student she works with on a professional and personal level. It is apparent in the way she communicates with students and families how much she truly wants to see each student thrive and become the best version of themselves. While this is only her second year working in special education, anyone that meets her can tell this is what she was meant to do. She will only continue to further excel in her career in education from here and the lasting impact she will have on her students will be lifelong. She would be well deserved of this award as she exemplifies the term, "life changer."
Miss O'Connell has made an extraordinary impact in my son's educational experience. The growth we have seen, academically, emotionally, and in his confidence, can be directly attributed to her dedication, compassion, patience, and skill as an educator. I genuinely wish she could follow him throughout the rest of his education, because she is that impactful.
Coming from an education background myself, I know how rare it is to find a teacher who combines deep expertise with genuine compassion. Miss O'Connell is one in a million, and our family will always be grateful for the lasting impact she has had on our son and his love of learning.
I am so happy to have Maggie part of this community and at Jackson elementary. We need more positive influencers like her. Kindness is contagious!
Maggie is my daughter’s special education teacher! My daughter has learned so much from Maggie, and gets so excited for school because she gets to see her! Because of Maggie my daughter wants to be a teacher too! I am so thankful for everything Maggie has done for Nessa and loving her like her own!
I work on the special education team with Maggie as a speech-language pathologist, and we share many students, and write many IEPs together. Maggie always makes it a priority to see the whole student- their family background and culture, their interests and preferences, any medical needs, social and sensory needs, and of course, academic needs. She listens to parents, students, and collaborates with every IEP team member (school psych, speech-language pathology, parents, OT, general education, DHH teachers, etc.) with an open mind in order to best serve the student needs. She isn’t too proud to ask for help and resources when she needs them, and is willing to help other team members when they need help or resources. The rapport she builds with her students is truly a rare and inspiring thing to see. I feel blessed to work with the same grade levels and serve on the same teams as her over the past 2 years. She is an advocate, an educator, and just a friendly face at our school.
I am incredibly proud of the Educator you have become! It has been so exciting to watch you grow up and move into this role with such dedication and enthusiasm. Congratulations Ms. O'Connell.
Mrs. O’Connell is amazing! She always has a smile on her face and genially cares for the kids she is teaching. We appreciate everything you do!!
Thank you for the everything you do!
Miss O’Connell has a positive impact on all of the students she see throughout the day, not just the ones on her caseload. She has a warm and caring heart which is a must in special education!
Maggie O'Connell is an outstanding special education teacher who brings both heart and skill to her work every day. She is compassionate and well organized, creating a supportive and structured environment where students can thrive. Maggie is a strong leader and dedicated child advocate who consistently puts students first. She also builds incredible relationships with children, staff, and families, fostering trust and collaboration across the school community. Her professionalism, approachability, and commitment make her a truly valued colleague and an asset to our team. Maggie is definitely one of a kind and should be recognized and celebrated!
Ms. O'Connell is an amazing team player. She has helped me gather resources and support pieces even when the student isn't on her caseload. She is filled with fabulous ideas that are always child-centered. She shares her physical manipulatives with anyone who asks as well as her intellectual ideas. Her wealth of knowledge and creativity is way beyond a "normal" special education teacher. She is the teacher I would want my child to have.
Ms. O'Connell is truly an amazing teacher and just an all around great person! We are so lucky to have her here at Jackson Elementary!
