Cheryl Alexander, a chemistry teacher at York High School has won an award at The Educators’ Trust Awards 2025, in recognition of her outstanding teaching and advocacy work for students facing any kind of adversity.
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Cheryl, who has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, has used a wheelchair since the age of 18, when the virus attacked her nervous system and left her barely able to walk.
She received the Master Educator’s Award for Outstanding School Leadership at an awards evening at The Merchant Taylors Hall on April 25, in the presence of guest speaker, Baroness Floella Benjamin.
Cheryl said: “I am really honoured to have received this award and it’s even more special that it’s in recognition of the work I do in a job I love and causes I feel very passionate about. I want every child and young person to have a ‘village’ to surround them, particularly those facing adversity. I am collecting the award on behalf of my own village and would like to thank all the people who have supported me on my journey. If I can help and support others to find their village and fill any gaps in their lives, I will.
“It was wonderful to hear the other winners’ stories and from Baroness Benjamin who spoke with vigour to remind us all of our importance as educators.”
Lady Floella Benjamin was at the awards The overarching aim of The Educators’ Trust is ‘to promote the development of the profession of educator’ which is done through awarding prizes, bursaries and grants to outstanding individual educators for innovation and excellence in professional practice.
Award winners can come from any level of education, any subject area and any setting in which learning takes place.
In the nomination for her award, Cheryl is described as an inspiring science teacher at York High School who has overcome significant personal challenges to become a leader in inclusive education. Despite having multiple physical and sensory disabilities, and using a wheelchair, Cheryl pursued advanced degrees in chemistry and education, supported by her assistance dogs through the charity Canine Partners.
Orca was dubbed the “wonderdog” when he made headlines in 2003 after helping to rescue Cheryl when her wheelchair plummeted down a 20ft water-filled ditch.
Beyond the classroom, Cheryl is a passionate advocate for children and young people facing adversity as well as individuals with disabilities and uses her own experiences to empower students and challenge perceptions.
York High principal Gavin Kumar, said “This award is thoroughly deserved, and we are all delighted for Cheryl. She is a wonderful teacher who continues to inspire her students and colleagues, demonstrating that with support and determination, barriers can be overcome. She is an amazing role model for our students.”
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