Tribute to Joanna Ross
What should we know about a UK teacher?
Joanna Ross, who taught children with disabilities for most of her career at Richard Cloudesley School near London (UK) and was a recipient of a Peason Teaching Award passed away. She was remembered as someone who “will be remembered as a rebel for all the right reasons – a woman of kindness, creativity and unwavering dedication who touched countless lives.”
Ms. Brown provided a kind remembrance of her friend in The Guardian on 2 January 2026 under the headline, “Joanna Ross obituary.” Here are excepts from the first paragrpahs:
My friend and colleague Joanna Ross, who has died aged 70 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, was a devoted teacher known for her energy, creativity and boundless dedication. Joanna championed inclusive education, placing accessibility and dignity at the heart of everything she did….
Her classroom was a place of joy and possibility. Joanna turned challenges into opportunities – whether orchestrating an acrobatic pyramid for a school play or guiding pupils through life’s lessons with compassion. She empowered and inspired those around her – children, families and colleagues alike – and tirelessly advocated for families, ensuring every child had the tools and opportunities to flourish. Even when honoured as a special needs/early years teacher of the year in the Pearson Teaching awards in 2015, her humility shone through; Joanna never sought recognition, only the chance to make a meaningful difference.
I didn’t know Ms. Ross and I don’t know Ms. Brown, but I hope that teachers of our kids all around the world may have their contributions remembered so kindly. I looked at that photo—congrats to the photographer— over and over again, and I thought, “Damn, there’s a lot of joy there.”
I hope that we, Dear Members of the Special Education Today community can be sure to celebrate the accomplishments of special educators. Someone’s passing is, of course, a time a sorrow, but it is also an opportunity to underscore the learning, accomplishment, and joy that they brought to our kids.