LT. GOVERNOR KOTTKAMP HONORS FLORIDA’S TOP EDUCATORS
February 6, 2008
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TALLAHASSEE – Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith today honored the Florida Department of Education/Macy’s 2008 Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year finalists and the 2008 Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award recipient during a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion. Sponsored by Apple Inc., the luncheon highlighted the individual efforts of Florida’s top educators and the positive impact they, and teachers throughout the state, have on students.
“Our classroom teachers are the key to individual student achievement,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “As we celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the teachers here with us today, let us all remember a teacher who has touched our lives and give thanks for their selfless commitment to our personal success.”
Attendees honored during the luncheon:
· Richard Ellenburg, a science teacher at Camelot Elementary School in Orange County – 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year
· Deborah Fahmie, a music teacher at Cypress Elementary School in Osceola County – 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Finalist
· Robert Johnson, a ninth through 12th grade social studies teacher at Port Charlotte High School in Charlotte County – 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Finalist
· Dr. Sandy Melillo, a ninth through 12th grade English/TV production teacher at Northeast High School in Broward County – 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Finalist
· Diane Tomko, a ninth through 12th grade gifted language arts teacher at Flagler Palm Coast High School in Flagler County – 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Finalist
· Anna Phillips, a kindergarten teacher at Oak Hammock K-8 School in St. Lucie County – 2008 Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award Recipient
“The professionalism and dedication of Florida’s teachers are the foundation of our educational success,” said Commissioner Smith. “As a testament to that outstanding quality, a recent report from Education Week ranked Florida’s teaching profession fourth in the nation, in part, because of our ability to attract, prepare and retain talented teachers.”
In addition to the awardees, their principals and superintendents, Lt. Governor Kottkamp and Commissioner Smith were joined by Greg Galanis, Regional Education Manager for Apple Inc., who presented the 2008 Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Richard Ellenburg with a new Apple MacBook.
“Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp have proven themselves as friends to education through their recent commitment to quality education in the face of a tight budget year,” said Ellenburg. “As the 2008 Florida Teacher of the Year, it has been my privilege to see first hand the outstanding work that is being done in Florida schools. I look forward to the opportunity of sharing the triumphs and struggles of teaching and learning in Florida classrooms with the Governor and Lt. Governor.”About the Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Award
The Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Macy’s Department Stores and the Florida Department of Education, recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year is chosen from more than 180,000 public school teachers by a selection committee comprised of teachers, principals, parents, and the business community. Florida’s top educator is selected on the basis of his or her outstanding ability to reach students in their subject area, participation in professional development, ability to communicate their philosophy of teaching, and exceptional school and community service. The winner is announced at an awards ceremony held each July in Orlando.
About the Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award
The Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award is presented to one of the 72 District Teacher of the Year winners during the Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year event held annually in July. The Excellence in Teaching award, created in honor of the late Mary Jane Brogan, awards teachers who through their experiences demonstrate a passion for teaching and a compassion for their students that becomes an inspiration to other teachers.
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