For Macy Dedmon, success isn’t measured in perfection. It’s measured in perseverance, in the small victories that take the most courage to achieve, and in students who leave her classroom knowing they are believed in, loved and supported.
As resource special education teacher at Polk Central Elementary School, Dedmon works with students who learn in unique and beautiful ways. Her dedication to building relationships and celebrating growth has earned her recognition as Polk Central’s Teacher of the Year.
“Being chosen as Teacher of the Year by my colleagues is incredibly humbling and meaningful,” Dedmon said. “This honor isn’t just mine, it reflects the collective heart of our school and the belief that every child deserves to feel capable, valued, and loved.”
Dedmon’s approach centers on patience, consistency and trust. She describes a student who struggled greatly with the transition to school, rarely communicating and experiencing anxiety that made completing tasks very difficult.
“Through months of building trust, consistent support, and collaboration with his parents and teachers, he has grown tremendously,” Dedmon said. “Now, he is beginning to read, communicate his needs and feelings, socialize with peers and adults, and approach tasks with more flexibility.”
That transformation represents what Dedmon values most about her work – progress that others might not notice, breakthroughs that take weeks or months to reach.
“His progress is a true success story built on consistency, trust, collaboration and support, and it reminds me every day why I teach,” she said.
In her classroom, Dedmon creates an environment where mistakes are part of learning and every effort counts. She emphasizes that students are capable of growth, even when it takes time.
“We celebrate the small victories, because those often take the most courage and perseverance to achieve,” Dedmon said. “More than anything, I want my students to leave my room knowing they are loved, supported, and believed in.”
What sustains Dedmon’s passion is seeing those incremental moments of progress and the relationships she builds with students and colleagues.
“Teaching exceptional children requires patience and teamwork, and I’m surrounded by staff who share that same heart for helping students succeed,” she said. “Even on the hardest days, I remind myself that every bit of effort contributes to something bigger, a student feeling confident, valued, and proud of what they can do. That’s what keeps me coming back with a full heart every day.”
