GROWING UP as a child, Sheila Simon did not enjoy school.
Simon, 60, would often skip core lessons such as English and maths. There were days when she would even bunk school altogether when it became too much for her.
She knew something was wrong but just could not put her finger on exactly what it was. It was only as she became an adult, studying for her NVQ Level 3 at Hackney and Islington College after working in a range of different jobs that she was diagnosed with dyslexia. It was relief and helped explain why she had struggled so much at school.
Simon has successfully overcome these challenges. This year she celebrates 35 years in primary school education and is in line for a prestigious award from Hackney Council for her years of service.
After her NVQ studies Simon looked after her cousin’s youngest children and her niece while thinking about her next career move. She found it was an experience she really enjoyed and it led to her replying to a job ad from Hackney Social Services who were recruiting for school play workers.
She got the job and began working for the Wally Fosters Playgroup in Hackney in 1985. A year later she was given the opportunity to take on an extended day play group worker role at Gayhurst Community School.
Simon would later be employed by the school in a full-time role, and she has remained at Gayhurst ever since.
In the 35 years since she joined Simon has taken on a variety of roles within the school. These include senior extended day and play centre leader; senior midday meals supervisor; team leader; teaching assistant and Early years Foundation Stage Practitioner to name a few.
As she celebrates her 35-year anniversary in education Simon’s family have expressed pride as they look back over her long career. And, she says, there are no plans to retire any time soon.
“Each day I wake up I am reminded of the privilege I have to work with and make a positive difference to the lives of children some of whom have special needs just as I did as a child at school” she told The Voice. “There is not a day that goes by where I can say that I have not enjoyed the challenge of pushing children of all backgrounds and abilities and the reward it brings in knowing from the children themselves how much of a difference you have made in their educational life. My own children tell me how proud they are of me too which also makes me happy.”
Simon identifies persistence and a love for her job as the key qualities that have kept her going for over three decades.
Her own experience of school as a child including a later diagnosis of dyslexia in both herself and her son (now aged 31) have motivated her to push her own children and those with whom she works professionally to the best of their abilities.
“Nothing beats the pleasure of seeing a forty plus year old parent who I had taught many years before bring their own child or children to our nursery and say that had it not been for my tough approach they would not be where they are today” she said.
“My own son who was later diagnosed with dyslexia and autism reminded me of my own struggles I had as a child and motivated me to push both him and his sister who now works a prison officer to be the best that they can be and not give up on their dreams.”
Compared to her childhood, Simon recognises that today’s schools are better resourced to tackle many of the issues which she and others of her generation struggled with. “Today we have special needs teachers, speech and language therapists and lots of different staff who have been professionally trained to deal with some of the issues I experienced during my own childhood over 55 years ago and this is a good thing,”
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38 Comments
An amazing, woman, who has overcome challenges to better herself. Her strength is inspiring as she went on the help others, truly caring about how others can also push themselves. You can tell she puts her heart in her job. Keep on working, Sheila, you are one in a million
Such an inspiration Auntie, we love you! So lovely to read your story here!
A true inspiration. We love you lots.
Excellent Sheila.I remembered working with you to achieve Maths when all the TA’s were required to have Maths qualifications. You were an inspiration to the Gayhurst Community. I am so proud of Sheila’s achievement.She was really good at her job.
I am so proud of you Sheila. Its been a great experience working with you. You were always hardworking and dedicated to the school and children. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. You are a diamond-one of a kind.
Love,
Diane
An amazing colleague. I’ve learned do much from Sheila about supporting and scaffolding pupils independence skills.
Very good article on a special lady. I have had the pleasure of having my child in the nursery. Sheila was very professional and I loved the way she interacted with my child. Congratulations to you, it’s well deserved!!
Well done Sheila so proud of you.
What an amazing achievement Shiela. I loved the 8 years we worked together, watching ypur confidence grow.
I loved working with Sheila not only she was very supportive of the children but the adults to including me well done Sheila well deserved ❤️❤️
Congratulations Sheila (mummy of Gayhurst)
35 years and still going strong, I’m glad I’ve also had the pleasure of working along side you, getting an this award is well deserved 💜
Sheila has played carer for and taught all 3 of my children over with past 17 years – she has been a rock at Gayhurst school providing fun care and inspiration to children and parents alike. We have been so lucky to be part of her community ❤️
A phenomenal woman. Some of the things she said when my sons were at Gayhurst nursery are still regularly mentioned in family conversations – and they’re 26 and 22 years old! Fond memories which include lots of laughter. An award is more than well deserved.
Sheila! She is amazing!
Such a strong fun charismatic woman
My son was lucky enough to have Sheila as his TA in reception and he absolutely loved her, as did we. She always took him under her wing. Sheila is rock-solid and I really hope my second son has her as his TA when he starts. I love bumping into Sheila at school or in the local area, we always have a lovely chat. This award is so well deserved 💗
Sheila’s journey from undiagnosed dyslexia as a child to then working as a Primary School Educator as an adult for 35 years is nothing short of inspirational. Undoubtedly, Sheila is one of the UK’s true unsung heroes deserving of our congratulations and any award which comes her way. Thank you Sheila and well done!
I am so proud of mummy sky the limit for you well done on what your achieve x
I am so proud of what you have achieved sky the limit for you love x
Sheila’s journey from undiagnosed dyslexia as a child to then working as a Primary School Educator as an adult for 35 years is nothing short of inspirational. Undoubtedly, Sheila is one of the UK’s true unsung heroes deserving of our congratulations and of any award which comes her way. Thank you Sheila for your many dedicated years of service in Hackney as an Educator and well done!
Keeping me in check aged 3 when I attended Gayhurst Nursery, 26 years later still keeping me in check now I work alongside you.
Sheila is one of a kind. And I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. 💗
What a fantastic achievement Sheila! I remember when I 1st started working at Gayhurst back in 2002 – after my daughter had been there a year – I met you. I was impressed with your ability to round up a class with just a look & very few words! I thought I’d never be able to do that job – certainly not to your standard but you & others inspired me to keep going. I was meant to be there for 2 weeks – ended up leaving almost 12 years later! I’m so proud of you & the obstacles you conquered – a true heroine. Well done & may your next 35yrs be just as fabulous!
Oxford and Cambridge University have awarded around 21 scholarships to learners at Brampton Manor School in Newham Borough Council – thanks to Sheila.
As well as the scholarships, learners have been attending universities and getting jobs around the country – thanks to Sheila.
A paediatric nurse for the NHS thanked me the other day – but she should be really thanking Sheila. Another learner told me he works as an online investigator and he has a degree.
This is all thanks to Sheila that thousands of learners were able to reach their full potential – self actualisation not only in a primary setting but also in secondary education because she encouraged me to work in education.
Not only did the learners who received scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge and the learners from Brampton Manor benefit but the learners from Rokeby Boys School because both of the schools went from the bottom of the league table to the top 6 in the country – where Brampton Manor learners exceeded the national average exam grades – all because of Sheila passion, encouragement and wanting to help learners succeed.
A personnel thank you goes out to Sheila who gave me the inspiration and the courage to gain Qualified Teacher Status and to reach my full potential. I am extremely proud of my achievements that would not have happened without Sheila support and encouragement.
So from me and the thousands of learners I have taught, it’s a million thanks
Shelia, what can I say, when I first started to work at Gayhurst 11 years ago I was actually scared of you, until I got to know you. You are truly the most amazing person with the children. I have called upon your expertise on numerous occasions to help me with challenging children and your always only to happy to help. Well done Shelia you truly deserve an award.
Sheila I’ve worked at Gayhurst with you for over 20 years. You have help with bringing my 3 boys up and they love you so much. As do I. We are all so proud of you. You deserve an award and some. My time at Gayhurst wouldn’t have been the same without you. All the children you have helped over the years have been a testament to you my lovely.
Congratulations Sheila ❤️ So proud of everything you have achieved. So glad to get to work alongside you. You’re an amazing person!!!
Congratulations Sheila, so proud of everything you have achieved. So glad to get to work alongside you. You’re an amazing person!!!
This is an Awesome article celebrating Sheila’s amazing commitment and dedication. I’m extremely happy and proud to know and work with her. She is a true inspiration and has supported me throughout my career professionally and personally. Well done Sheila!
Sheila is the star of Gayhurst! She makes such a huge impact on the kids and is full of passion, dedication and joy. Thank you for everything you do, we will never forget you!
Congratulations Mum, you so deserve this! I am beyond proud of you. The adversities you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now, being an inspiration to so many in the Hackney educational system and to both your children, is inspirational. You have paved the way, keep excelling, @gayhurste8 should be as proud as we all are. Love you loads 👏🏾🙌🏾💗💗💗💗
Auntie Sheila! Congratulations on your incredible milestone at Gayhurst! The whole borough is so proud of you and so grateful for your life’s work ❤️
I am extremely proud of you Sheila, you deserve a gold plaque at the school for your magnificent, hard work, Congratulations.
Aunty Sheila This is fantastic. We’re all so proud of you.
Years of dedication and commitment. You are such a blessing and great contribution to the community. I pray you are recognised and appreciated as you should be.
It’s good to see that you have been recognised for your amazing service over the years. This is more than well deserved!!! You really deserve a reward.
This is so pleasing to read and such an inspiring story. It makes you ask question about yourself or things u may be able to relate about my child. Congratulations on all your achievements and what yiur giving to the community!
An amazing achievement and inspiration well done
Sheila thank you for being a truly outstanding teacher. Your passion for teaching and your dedication to your students is obvious in everything you do. I want to wish you nothing but the absolute best going forward. You will always be remembered for you great work.
Thank you all for your time you spent sending your inspirational comments,support and love.Thank you Darrell for taking the time and patience to write my article and others know my life story and also to the Voice.I cannot thank you all separately.Big Hugs and respect.
Sheila when I first read your story , never in million years I thought that you dedicated half your life in education and helping children to achieve their maximum level of learning.
Sheila you are great woman ,amazing, genuine person.
35 years is a well deserve award for you and is about time.
Well done Sheila😍
(Mummy at Gayhurst )