Feb 16th, 2012

LAKE WALES – Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the Year are being honored by schools in the Lake Wales Charter School system.

Janie Howard Wilson Elementary:

Teacher of the Year is Stephanie MacDonald, a third grade teacher. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University, and has taken graduate courses at the University of Central Florida.  She has been teaching for six years. MacDonald previously has served as grade chair, and earned grants for her school. She works in an after-school tutoring program, and also mentors students while their parents are enrolled in an evening GED program.

Support Employee of the Year is Robin Sanchez, a paraprofessional who works with ESE students, especially in small groups to focus on academics. She has worked three years at Janie Howard Wilson. She has an associate degree in Medical Administration, and currently is working on a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Sanchez serves on the School Advisory Committee and the PTO. (PHOTO 1: Stephanie McDonald, left, and Robin Sanchez)

Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary:

Teacher of the Year is Robin Jolley (PHOTO 2), a kindergarten teacher. She earned a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Warner Southern College (now Warner University) and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Nova University. She has nearly 30 years of teaching experience, including time spent teaching in Qatar and Kuwait. She has earned several grants for the school, and won a 2002 Disney Teacherrific Award.

Support Employee of the Year is Pam Watts (PHOTO 3), a pre-school teacher for five years. She attended Lee University and South Florida College, and has 28 years of experience working in pre-schools.

Hillcrest Elementary:

Teacher of the Year is Jennifer Simpson (PHOTO 4), a fourth grade teacher. (Coincidentally, she is teaching in the same classroom where she sat as a fourth grader!) She has a degree in Elementary Education from Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. This is her fifth year teaching.  In July 2011, Simpson attended the Mickelson Exxon Mobile Teacher Academy in Jersey City, NJ. She serves as grade-level chair, tutor, and is a member of the school’s Technology Team. She co-sponsors the school’s new National Elementary Honor Society, which will begin later this year.

Support Employee of the Year is Nancy Leatherland (PHOTO 5), a physical education para-professional. She tutors second graders in reading and spelling, and helped start the school’s archery program. Leatherland has a degree in Physical Education from Warner Southern College (now Warner University). She holds specialized certifications as an instructor for archery and bike safety. She serves on the Positive Behavior Support committee, and helps with Project Learn Learn Learn community outreach

Polk Avenue Elementary:

Teacher of the Year is Brenda Lasseter (PHOTO 6), a third grade teacher with four years of experience as a classroom teacher. She earned an education degree from Warner University. She has written grants for her school, and last year, her classroom served as Polk Avenue’s “technology classroom” to preview the use of different technology pieces in the classroom setting.

Support Employee of the Year is Jean Salio, (PHOTO 7) a paraprofessional who works with ESE students. She has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Polk State College, and is working on a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Before joining Polk Avenue three years ago, she owned and operated a daycare business for 19 years, and then worked as a substitute teacher for four years.

Edward W. Bok Academy:

Teacher of the Year is Lindsay Woods, a sixth grade language arts teacher. She earned a Church Ministries degree from Warner Southern College (now Warner University) but returned to school for the additional classes necessary to earn a teaching certificate.  She has taught since 2000. Woods is the grade-level chair, and she assists with the Technology Committee and the before- and after-school tutoring program.

Support Employee of the Year is Sydney Mercado, who has worked in the Bok front office for three years. She has an A.A. degree from Warner University, and plans to graduate in Spring 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Warner. She coordinates the Volunteer Program and works with the after-school tutoring program. (PHOTO 8: Sydney Mercado, left, and Teacher of the Year Lindsay Woods, right)

Lake Wales High:

Teacher of the Year is Dee Coconato (PHOTO 9), a reading teacher. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Berry College, and added a reading endorsement later. She has 13 years of classroom experience. Coconato sponsors the LWHS Interact Club, which is affiliated with the local Rotary Clubs, and also sponsors the LWHS Young Leaders group for female students.

Support Employee of the Year is Brook Weathersby (PHOTO 10), a paraprofessional who works with ESE students. She has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. This is her third year at LWHS, where she is a sponsor for the Sophomore Class of 2014 executive board.

These Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the Year will be recognized Tuesday, May 1 during a celebration sponsored by the Polk Association of Charter Schools.