Revealed: Michelle Pathirana and Sharon Head voted Central Coast’s best teachers

We asked our readers to name the best teacher on the Central Coast. The votes are in and now it’s time to reveal who won!

The Express Advocate asked its readers to name the local teacher who goes above and beyond their normal duties to make sure children are receiving the best education and attention they can.

But in the end the result could not be split between Woy Woy Public School’s Michelle Pathirana and Wyoming Public School’s Sharon Head, who both topped our special poll with equal votes.

Ms Pathirana teaches the K-6PG class, which is a moderate intellectual disability/ severe intellectual disability class, whose students and parents just adore her.

Relieving Principal Dan Betts said he could not think of anyone more deserving of the best local teacher award than Ms Pathirana.

Woy Woy Public Schools Michelle Pathirana has been named joint winner in the Express Advocate's Best Teacher poll. Picture: Supplied

“The level of care and concern she displays for the students in her class is immediately evident on entering her classroom, and she goes out of her way to work closely with the parents and carers of her students to ensure the best educational outcomes for them,” he said.

“We’re so lucky to have her at our school.”

Ms Pathirana said she worked with an amazing team who supported each other and were committed to both the education and wellbeing of their students.

“Working in a support unit, we have the opportunity to watch students learn and grow from years K-6,” she said.

“We therefore develop strong bonds with the students and their families. I think most teachers would agree that the greatest reward in teaching is watching a child’s face when they realise they have achieved success.”

Wyoming Public School's Sharon Head has also been named joint winner in the Express Advocate's Best Teacher online poll. Picture: Supplied

Wyoming Public School’s Ms Head comes from a long line of educators, which could explain why being a great teacher is in her blood.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and have been lucky enough to work at a lot of great schools, but Wyoming Public School is definitely among the best,” Ms Head said.

She began her career in 1988 at Kincumber Public School and has taught all grades in primary school but said her favourite was Kindergarten.

“The best part about being a teacher is working closely with my colleagues,” she said.

“We are a team, and this teamwork and collaboration provides our students with the best foundation.”

Wyoming Public School principal Rebecca Wild praised Ms Head’s success.

“We are very lucky to have Sharon’s dedication, skills and talents to add to our dynamic staff here at Wyoming Public School,” Ms Wild said.

“This is a great acknowledgment of her commitment to public education and we would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Sharon.”