This year’s recipient of the Nancy M. Wood Award for Excellence in Education has made an impact on students, families, and colleagues through compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to learning: Jessica Michaud, first grade teacher at the St. Mark’s Campus.

Known for creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported, Mrs. Michaud brings both passion and purpose to education each day. Colleagues describe a learning environment intentionally built on kindness, encouragement, and high expectations. One nominator shared that students “feel a calling to learn” because of the welcoming atmosphere she creates in her classroom.

Beyond delivering strong instruction, Mrs. Michaud is praised for truly knowing her students — their strengths, challenges, and individual needs. Her lessons are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity while adapting to support every learner. Students are encouraged to take academic risks, grow in confidence, and develop a genuine love of learning.

Families also recognize Mrs. Michaud’s commitment to nurturing the whole child. Her care extends beyond academics, focusing not only on what students achieve, but also on who they are becoming as individuals.

One fellow teacher wrote, “Her classroom is a place where curiosity is cultivated, effort is valued, and each child is seen.”

 Mrs. Michaud has two children at Episcopal, Luke ‘31 and Anna Maddox ‘33.

Established in 2001, the Nancy N. Wood Excellence in Education Award is given to a faculty member teaching on the St. Mark’s Campus. Named for former St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School Head of School Nancy N. Wood, the purpose of the award is to recognize and reward faculty and teaching assistants who personify quality in their teaching and in their influence on student learning. The award recognizes and rewards faculty or teaching assistants who consistently and unselfishly go above and beyond normal expectation of time, energy, and devotion in working with students; recognizes a person who motivates students to higher levels of achievement; and  recognizes and rewards faculty and teaching assistants who have consistently made use of opportunities for continuing education. The award’s goal is to inspire all Episcopal faculty and staff to pursue uncompromising excellence and caring in the classroom.