Michelle Wakefield
Position: Middle School Academic Dean
School: River City Science Academy at Mandarin
School District: River City Science Academy at Mandarin
City, State: Jacksonville, FL
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Music that Describes Michelle
Michelle Wakefield was nominated by her principal, Alaaddin Akgul.
Ms. Wakefield has been the middle school dean of River City Science Academy since the school opened its doors in the Mandarin area. She works tirelessly and with great passion to be a strong leader to teachers and students.
Ms. Wakefield organizes and runs her school's entire College Mentorship Program, which connects students to teachers who serve as mentors. In this program, they work on goal setting and character education, visit colleges and universities, and more. Ms. Wakefield not only ensures this program runs smoothly, but she also has her own group of middle-school girls that she personally mentors.
Ms. Wakefield has also made a huge difference in the lives of many of her students whose families are experiencing homelessness. She personally helps their parents with any technological challenges they face. This has been especially important during the pandemic and has been vital to many students' successes.
Ms. Wakefield also coordinates middle school events and makes sure to personally be present. She is a very hands-on leader in her school, and she contributes greatly to a positive atmosphere among middle school teachers and students. She makes sure to stay connected and supportive with everyone.
"During her four years with us, she has consistently remained passionate, caring, strong, and ethical," said Akgul. "She is integral to the success of our school, and she is respected by all of her teachers and fellow administrators. She has made a huge difference in the lives of so many of our students."
I have had the opportunity to work with Michelle since our school opened 5 years ago and now I’m in the position she started with. She has helped me become a better teacher and is always willing to share her resources for the betterment of our students’ academic success. Michelle not only focuses on her students needs inside the classroom, but outside as well. She takes the time to go to their sports events, graduations, and other important aspects of their lives. Michelle is truly a life changer because she puts her students’ needs before her own!
Michelle Wakefield is truly such a bright spot in the lives of the students she leads, the teachers she motivates and the parents she interacts with. She provides hands-on support to students who need her guidance. As an administrator, she is there to lead us in educator goals, encourages teachers to challenge students and coordinates team-building that becomes family building.
Life changer is an apt description of Michelle Wakefield on an every day basis.
Ms. Wakefield goes above and beyond to encourage positive relationships with not only her middle school students, but all students across the board. She places the responsibility of students behaviors and actions on them and helps them to see where they can improve and grown. She challenges them academically, socially and emotionally. Ms. Wakefield strives to create positive relationships with staff members in our school and will go above and beyond to help where she is needed, I am grateful to work alongside a true educator and someone who is so passionate about all they do! Ms. Wakefield is deserving of this recognition and award for all her hard work!
Michelle Wakefield is truly such a bright spot in the lives of the students she leads, the teachers she motivates and the parents she interacts with. She provides hands-on support to students who need her guidance. As an administrator, she is there to lead us in educator goals, encourages teachers to challenge students and coordinates team-building that becomes family building.
Life changer is an apt description of Michelle Wakefield on an every day basis.
Ms. Wakefield is very professional, always responds very quickly to parents emails . Polite and beautiful woman.
Ms. Wakefield is the best. She's so deserving of this award! She is always willing to help and answer questions. She is very passionate about helping her students strive to be their best!
She is an excellent and wonderful professional the students love and we parents too.
Ms. Wakefield was an incredible advisor when I was in middle school. She gave my guidence and helped me achieve my goals. I know she definitely deserves this award.
Ms.Wakefleild is SUPER kind, caring, and a wonderful educator!
She cares for everyone, and is always willing to help!
Ms.Wakefield deserves this award!!!!
Ms. Wakefield is a remarkable and dedicated educator. Her commitment to providing the highest standards of quality education for every student has made River City Science Academy Mandarin an exceptional learning environment. Her concern and caring for my son during his father's terminal illness gave great comfort to him. I will always be grateful for her understanding and kindness during that difficult time. Because of her untiring devotion to the teachers, staff, students and parents, this award is so greatly deserved.
Michelle Wakefield is truly such a bright spot in the lives of the students she leads, the teachers she motivates and the parents she interacts with. She provides hands-on support to students who need her guidance. As an administrator, she is there to lead us in educator goals, encourages teachers to challenge students and coordinates team-building that becomes family building.
Life changer is an apt description of Michelle Wakefield on an every day basis.
I am impressed by how involved she is in the daily activities of the different grades. She always seems to be in the know on what’s happening and present. A far cry from what I have experienced with the administrators regarding my older children in other Duval County schools. She has this quality that makes the kids want to listen to her and please her and that is critical to being successful with middle school kids. She is also very responsive to parents which is very appreciated.
Being a first year teacher this year at RCSA Ms. Wakefield has been very helpful. Whether it is a concern I have via email or an in person chat, Ms. Wakefield has been supportive in every instance for my needs. I am fortunate to have an administrator that is as encouraging as Ms. Wakefield during my first year.
I am impressed by how involved she is in the daily activities of the different grades. She always seems to be in the know on what’s happening and present. A far cry from what I have experienced with the administrators regarding my older children in other Duval County schools. She has this quality that makes the kids want to listen to her and please her and that is critical to being successful with middle school kids. She is also very responsive to parents which is very appreciated.
Ms. Wakefield is a wonderful Educator Who truly cares about her students. She has truly made a impact on my daughters and myself. Our school is very blessed to have her. Thank you again Ms. Wakefield for everything you did for us.
A wonderful teacher who cares for her students!
Keep up the good the good work and I hope you stay with the rocket family for a very long time because your hard work payed off big time so keep it up
I worked with Michelle for about 4 years. I love her heart for students and the way she pours into them! She deserves this!!
I worked with Michelle in her first year as a teacher! She is devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of her students. She is a positive force and mentor. As a former PE teacher I can say she is an excellent dodgeball player.
Ms. Wakefield is a wonderful educator. She cares passionately about her job but, more about her kids. She is phenomenal. She makes sure every student understands what is happeneing and if they don’t understand, she will stay on a topic for a week until everyone understands. She will figure out different ways for a student to understand. She is an amazing person inside and out and her heart is bigger than her. She cares so about what she does and you can see that through her students.
If it's in the best interest of the kids, Michelle does it. Fundraisers? Done. Dances? She's there. Late nights? On it. Michelle is dedicated to her students and cares deeply about their experience and well-being.
Thanks Ms. Wakefield. Our kids love you!
Thank you for all the love and support that you show everyone at RCSAM.
Ms.Wakefield is an amazing Dean! When you need help, she does all she can, even if it takes time!
Ms. Wakefield is the most inspirational teacher I ve ever met. Her ability to connect with kids is phenomenal! My daughter learned so much from her and looked up to her as if she was a big aunt. 5 yes after her teaching my daughter , they have developed a bond. My daughter went through serious life changing surgery, and ms Wakefield was by our side willing to do anything to help us through this. God put her in our path and we feel so blessed to have her in our life! She gives more than her all to help and teAch kids! Over and beyond! This lady is a blessing.
Mrs Wakefield is a great professional who really goes the extra mile for students and overall education. My kids ask her for guidance and she is willing and able to give them correct direction.
Michelle has such a positive impact on everyone that crosses her path. She selflessly supports her students, friends, and co-workers in so many ways in all she does. She is professional, yet relational on a personal level and always thrives in all she is a part of. I highly recommend Michelle for this honor. It is well-deserves on so many levels!
Ms. Wakefield is a wonderful educator. She cares passionately about her job but, more about her kids. She is phenomenal. She makes sure every student understands what is happeneing and if they don’t understand, she will stay on a topic for a week until everyone understands. She will figure out different ways for a student to understand. She is an amazing person inside and out and her heart is bigger than her. She cares so about what she does and you can see that through her students.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Michelle since she was younger than the students she currently teaches. She uses her life experience as a way to bond with her students and is such a light & positive role model. I have no doubt she will change the lives of countless young people throughout her career. She has a servants heart & this is evident by her nomination for life changer of the year!
Goes above and beyond for her school and her students by dedicating time after school and on the weekends. She engages students by making personal connections and empowers her staff by listening and advocating for them.
Ms. Wakefield is the most inspirational teacher I ve ever met. Her ability to connect with kids is phenomenal! My daughter learned so much from her and looked up to her as if she was a big aunt. 5 yes after her teaching my daughter , they have developed a bond. My daughter went through serious life changing surgery, and ms Wakefield was by our side willing to do anything to help us through this. God put her in our path and we feel so blessed to have her in our life! She gives more than her all to help and teAch kids! Over and beyond! This lady is a blessing.
Ms. Wakefield is truly one of the most inspiring teachers I've ever met. I've had the pleasure to grow up along side Ms. Wakefield and watch her become a wonderful educator but truly amazing kind person. She always puts the people she cares about first especially her students. She defiantly deserves this award.
Michelle is an amazing! She goes above and beyond for her students! As an educator she is works tirelessly for her kids! She is constantly trying to better herself for her school, teachers, students and parents.
I can not think of a more deserving individual and role model for this award. Ms. Wakefield is fantastic at providing support to her teachers and students. She is very supportive of teachers and students alike. A very fine line to walk; she walks it fantastically. She goes above and beyond to help anyone out; including students outside of her grade level. She is a positive role model and inspiration as a leader and person to all. It is very evident that she will do anything to help teachers and students succeed in a positive learning environment with a smile on her face.
Wonderful, caring, enthusiast and deserving of this award!!
Ms. Wakefield is a fantastic leader, support for teachers and students. She goes above and beyond to help students and teachers succeed in a positive learning environment. She is alway wiling to help and encourage time on task, increased academic learning time, and positive reinforcement/incentives for students who need extra help and physical activity. She is beyond deserving of this award and nomination. I can’t think of a better candidate to receive this award.
You go girl. You deserve to be recognized, you work so hard and care so much about you job and students.
Ms. Wakefield completely changed my life during an extremely difficult period. I felt I had no one and she came and made me feel loved and worth it <3 If anyone deserves this award, it's definitely her! She's touched so many lives and, speaking for myself, I don't think I'd be where I am today. She is truly a life-changer in every sense of the word. Thank you Ms. Wakefield! ??
Michelle Wakefield has been nothing but genuine and helpful to me this year. As a new teacher to RCSAM, I have been welcomed with open arms and Ms. Wakefield has been so re-assuring to me as a new educator. I am very excited for her being nominated as she always goes above and beyond for the teachers, staff and students at RCSAM. I never feel alone or unsure about my responsibilities and expectations because of her leadership. I am lucky to to have the opportunity to work with and grow from Ms. Wakefield. Congrats, you are a serious life changer! :)
Michelle is absolutely a life changer. She is a beacon of light in the lives she touches at our school. Michelle shines when she is working with students. She builds and maintains positive relationships with students that need her the most. She is present everyday in the halls engaging with both students and teachers. She maintains an open door policy where anyone that needs her assistance is welcome to come in and seek advice or just to have someone to listen to. Michelle has a huge heart and it is clear that student well being and success drive her to be who she is...a life changer! This honor is well deserved, and I could not think of a better person to receive this award. I am sure if you were to ask the students at our school, they would wholeheartedly tell you that she makes a difference everyday and plays a vital role in their happiness and success!
Ms. Wakefield is not just an amazing administrator/dean but a wonderful person. She is always there for the teachers at our schools to help problem solve or be there for support during a tough time. She goes above and beyond for students, even when she was a teacher at our school. Ms. Wakefield is huge on building relationships and it shows, as much of the students in Middle school both respect and enjoy her presence. She is a wonderful role model and is a great mix of high expectations and fun! Ms. Wakefield is truly a life changer for all she comes in contact with <3
I have watched this lady grow up. There was always something special about her. Her heart for people, especially young people has always propelled her towards her goals. Seeing her achieve them warms my heart.
Michelle has always put her students needs first. She works hard to ensure each student thrives to their fullest potential in and outside of the class room. She cares deeply for education and has played a large role in changing many children’s lives. She is an excellent educator!
Ms. Wakefield has been such an inspiration to me. She has been someone to look up to and also a good friend when needed. I see the passion she has in all of her hard work. She has supported and encouraged not only myself, but others around me. The students love and respect her. She is definitely a life changer and deserves this award.
Mrs. Wakefield is more than a teacher to her students she is a life mentor for them and a listening ear for the parents. She truly takes pride in her classroom.