Each year the employees of the School Board of Levy County select the Teacher of the Year and Educational Staff Professional (ESP) of the Year to honor outstanding employees in each school and at the district office. A District Teacher of the Year and District ESP of the Year are then selected from among those chosen at the school level. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week will be April 18-22. The District Teacher of the Year and the school Teachers of the Year will be honored at a Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Joyce Bullock Elementary School. The District ESP of the Year and school ESPs of the Year will be recognized at an ESP of the Year Dinner on May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Chiefland Elementary School.
The 2005-2006 Teachers of the Year are:
Michael Homan, Reading Teacher, Bronson Elementary School
Jennifer Cox, Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Bronson High School
Marissa DeHaven, 5th Grade Teacher, Cedar Key School
Nelly Ramirez, Varying Exceptionalities Teacher, Chiefland Elementary School
Roberta Kidd, Language Arts Teacher, Chiefland Middle School
Jan Hudson Slade, Language Arts Teacher, Chiefland High School
Robert Lowyns, Science/Social Studies/Physical Education Teacher, Hilltop Alternative School
Sharon Harper, Joyce Bullock Elementary School
Jeanne Dubois, 5th Grade Teacher, Williston Elementary School
Carmen Ward, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Williston Middle School
Sylvia Edmundson, History/Language Arts Teacher, Williston High School
Candy Prescott, Administrative Assistant/Reading Teacher, Yankeetown School.
The 2005-2006 Educational Staff Professionals of the Year are: Kelly Mashburn, Food Service Manager, Bronson Elementary School
Nancy McKee, Secretary, Bronson High School
Stephanie Parks, Lab Manager, Cedar Key School
Brenda Rolfe, Assistant Food Service Manager, Chiefland Elementary School
Charlotte Hathcox, Food Service Manager, Chiefland Middle School
Susan Reiter, ISS Teacher Aide, Chiefland High School
Patricia Fortune, ESE Teacher Aide, Hilltop Alternative School
Sharon Strong, Health Assistant, Joyce Bullock Elementary School
Bernita Hawkins-Smith, Food Service/Custodian, Williston Elementary School
Ana Meyer-Santos, ESOL Teacher Aide, Williston Middle School
Dale Loomis, Lab Manager, Williston High School
Diane Mathews, Secretary, Yankeetown School
Kenneth Wade Harris, Electrician, District Maintenance Department
Violet Lester, Bus Driver, Transportation Department.
The 2005-2006 District Teacher of the Year is Sharon Harper, a kindergarten teacher at Joyce Bullock Elementary School in Williston. Sharon has been employed by the district for two years, and came to Levy County from a post at Folsom Elementary in Tampa, where she was chosen Teacher of the Year in 1996.
She is a graduate of Florida Southern College, where she earned a BS degree in Elementary Education. "I work in a great location with wonderful peers," Sharon says of her experience at JBES. "We have positive administrators and office staff." Sharon points out that literacy is a major focus throughout the district and key in her classroom as well, where she is working with youngsters just starting out on the road to literacy. "We begin our day with letter names and sound songs. I have created visual signs to go with each sound. By using auditory and visual techniques, the children learn and retain this concept quickly." She adds that she is always looking for more ways to reinforce her teaching. "My number one rule is: waste not a single minute." Sharon enjoys spending her free time with her family. In the summer, she is free to indulge in two favorite pastimes, reading and traveling. She says that when she travels she likes to include trips to kindergarten classrooms in the places she visits.
The 2005-2006 District Educational Staff Professional of the Year is bus driver Violet Lester. Violet, whose current route covers the Chiefland area, has almost 30 years of service with the School Board of Levy County. She says that one of the best things about her job is the opportunity to get to know youngsters of all ages and watch them progress through school. "It is important for me to be a positive influence in their lives by teaching them to be kind, patient and understanding of other students." Violet points out that bus drivers are the first members of the "school family" to see the students each day, and the last they see each afternoon. She explains that such a role gives bus drivers the opportunity to help students start and end each day on a positive note. This long-time bus driver says that discipline is an important part of her job, and must be "firm but fair."
"I let 'my kids' know that I do it out of my concern for them and their safety," she says. Violet spends her free time with her family, including her grandchildren, and is very active in the Levy County Public Schools Bus Drivers Association. She also enjoys golf and fishing and is looking forward to the time when she can spend more time on another hobby, painting.
Following are brief profiles of the Teachers of the Year and ESPs of the Year.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROFILES: Michael Homan, Reading Teacher, Bronson Elementary School: Michael earned her Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Florida in 2002 and immediately joined the staff at BES. Prior to that, she had served as a substitute teacher. As a Reading Coach, Michael enjoys "working with students and teachers across grade levels. It allows me to know everybody and what their needs are." Michael says that great teaching comes from "a desire to make a difference in students' lives. Kids read people well. If you can build a rapport with them, you can make a difference even with the tough ones." Michael likes to spend her free time with her husband and their three children. Her other interests include scrapbooking, reading and traveling. Jennifer Cox, Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Bronson High School: Jennifer has been teaching in Levy County since 1988. She earned her BS Degree in Education from Florida International University, specializing in education of the emotionally handicapped. She received her certification in 1980. Jennifer, who teaches EMH/TMH students at BHS, says the most enjoyable part of her job is "seeing my kids jump off the bus, running and wheeling up the ramp with those big smiles on their faces. This makes me feel that they are glad to be here at school. I know their enthusiasm is real; it's actually contagious!" As for the secret of great teaching, Jennifer says the key is "you have to love what you do. You need to be dedicated enough to face every challenge that comes along. Maybe I'm naïve, but I feel I can still save the world." Her outside interests include "boating with my wonderful husband" and she also enjoys cooking, reading, NASCAR racing, football and working on the family ranch. Marissa DeHaven, 5th Grade Teacher, Cedar Key School: Marissa says that what she likes best about teaching is "having the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life." Marissa has been teaching 5th Grade at CKS since 2000. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned her Masters of Education degree. She is active in community affairs and is a member of the Cedar Key Booster Club, the Cedar Key PTO and the CKS School Improvement Committee.
In her free time, Marissa enjoys reading, gardening and photography. Her interests also include basketball and volleyball, as well as visiting with her nephew Tyler. Nelly Ramirez, Varying Exceptionalities Teacher, Chiefland Elementary School: Nelly has been employed by the Levy County School Board for 15 years as a VE teacher at CES. She has a Master of Science degree in Specific Learning Disabilities from Nova Southeastern University. Nelly says that what she likes best about teaching is the reward of "helping the students to achieve their individual goals," and the satisfaction of watching children achieve small or big steps that are predictors of future outcomes." She adds that her students are the "great teachers" in her life "because they give us lessons every day in how to teach them." Away from school, Nelly enjoys reading, which she describes as "an open door to many places." She also likes to garden, with a special interest in growing roses and raising vegetables. Roberta Kidd, Language Arts Teacher, Chiefland Middle School: This is the second time Roberta has been recognized as CMS Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching Language Arts to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at CMS for four years. She also taught at CMS from 1995-1999. She earned her BA degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993.
Because "students' learning styles are so varied, as are their comprehension and processing speeds," Roberta says the most challenging part of her job is "making sure that everyone is challenged, and no one is left behind." The secret of great teaching, according to Roberta, is "to remain forever a student." Roberta enjoys traveling with her family, working out, reading and watching television. She also is a big sports fan and describes herself as "an ESPN junkie." Jan Hudson Slade, Language Arts Teacher, Chiefland High School: Jan has taught English and Journalism at Chiefland High School for 13 years, joining the staff after earning her Master of Education degree from the University of Florida in 1992. This is the second time she has been honored as CHS Teacher of the Year. In addition to her teaching duties, she is the Yearbook Advisor at CHS. "I don't know that there is any great "secret" to being a great teacher," Jan comments, "but I do know that the ones I have known, have, of course, been knowledgeable, and have been brave enough to put a little of themselves in their teaching every day, which I believe makes them and their subject matter more accessible to their students."
She says one of the most rewarding things about her profession is being able to have students in her class for three or four years in a row, "which gives me more of an opportunity to get to know them as the amazing young people that they are." Jan's many interests include reading, watching movies, traveling, "showing my classic Mustang," and spending time with her family.
Robert Lowyns, Science/Social Studies/Physical Education Teacher, Hilltop Alternative School: Robert has been a teacher at Hilltop School for a year and a half. He earned his BS degree from Delta State University, and prior to taking his present position, was with the University of Mississippi Medical Center Police Department. Robert says that the great teachers he has known all "made me think and look at things in a different way. This has enabled me to teach myself and think outside the box."
He believes that the most challenging part of teaching in a school like Hilltop is motivating students to care about academics while they are also struggling with problems in other areas of their lives. Robert says his free time is spent enjoying the company of his wife and daughter. He also enjoys art and developing his skills in drawing and ceramics. Jeanne Dubois, 5th Grade Teacher, Williston Elementary School: Jeanne earned her Masters in Education from the University of Florida in 1992. She is in her fourth year of teaching at WES. Prior to coming to Levy County, she taught for 10 years in Alachua County. She earned her National Board Certification in 2004. "The best part of my job is working with children," says Jeanne. "I love seeing their eyes light up with understanding and excitement about learning." She notes that great teachers have several qualities in common: "hard work, commitment, flexibility, understanding and tact." She adds that great teachers also need "space, materials, a friendly faculty, supportive administration, cooperative students and lots of parent involvement."
"The secret is finding all of that in one school," Jeanne says. "I have!" In her spare time, she enjoys reading mysteries and travel books. She also has two retired racing greyhounds that she enjoys watching as they race around her yard. She is also a volunteer with People to People, a program that provides travel opportunities and leadership training to students. Yet another interest is her son Eli, who recently turned 21, and works as a computer support specialist. Carmen Ward, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Williston Middle School: A WMS faculty member since 1999, Carmen earned her BA degree from Miami State University. Asked what she likes best about teaching, Carmen says, "It's a toss up between loving to teach and inspire curiosity in my students, and loving to work on a compassionate, dedicated team. She believes the secret of being a great teacher is "having patience, having a sense of humor, and having great expectations for your students." Heading the list of Carmen's outside interests is painting. She is a member of the Gainesville Artisans Guild and describes her art this way: "I create fun and functional furniture art when I have time." She also enjoys writing, reading, playing tennis, and cooking gourmet meals for friends and family. Sylvia Edmundson, History/Language Arts Teacher, Williston High School: Sylvia has been teaching in Levy County for 31 years. She earned both her BS and Masters degrees from the University of Florida. Currently she teaches American History/Honors, English III and Reading. Before coming to Williston High School, she taught at Williston Middle School. She is a Senior Class and FFEA/Future Teachers sponsor. This is the second time she has been selected WHS teacher of the Year. Sylvia says that what she enjoys most about teaching is "the contact with young people is invigorating. I learn something every day." When asked about her free time, Sylvia responded, "What free time?" and added that she enjoys "window shopping and taking in movies with friends." She says she wants to travel and "experience other cultures." She also enjoys meeting new people and exploring the Internet. Candy Prescott, Administrative Assistant/Reading Teacher, Yankeetown School: Candy has been teaching at Yankeetown School since 1998. Presently a Reading Teacher and Administrative Assistant, she has also taught 5th Grade at YTS. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Saint Leo College. "I enjoy being able to work with the students and be a stable and constant part of their lives," says Candy of her role as a teacher. She adds that one of the most challenging parts of her job is finding enough time to do all she wants to do as a teacher. When she isn't teaching, Candy likes to spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies include reading, rollerblading, basketball and scrapbooking.
ESPS OF THE YEAR PROFILES: Kelly Mashburn, Food Service Manager, Bronson Elementary School: Kelly has been employed by the School Board of Levy County for five and a half years. She says what she enjoys most about her job as Food Service Manager is "working with an excellent group of ladies who understand the importance of food service and how much we need to be a 'light' for each child who comes into our cafeteria." On the other hand, keeping up with "ALL the paperwork" and making sure it is done right and on time is perhaps the most challenging part of her job. Kelly's favorite motto is "Results . . . not excuses!" She likes to spend her free time with family and friends. Her hobbies include traveling, hunting, fishing and working in the yard. Nancy McKee, Secretary, Bronson High School: Nancy has been a district employee for two years. She says one of the best aspects of her job is the students. "Being around them keeps me feeling young. Having them stop in just to say 'Hi' or 'Have a good day' really makes my day," Nancy comments, adding that, since she works in the main office, one of her biggest challenges is making sure that parents and others who come to the school with problems get the help they need to resolve those problems. Nancy's favorite quote is: "The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them." In her free time, she enjoys spending time with Dan, her husband of 29 years, and being with her "grandkids." Other interests include reading and going to flea markets. Stephanie Parks, Lab Manager, Cedar Key School: Stephanie has been employed by the School Board of Levy County for three and a half years. As a lab manager, she says she enjoys the variety of tasks her job offers, as well as the opportunity to interact with many different people on a daily basis. "No two days are ever the same." She says that her biggest challenge is dealing with technology. As she puts it, "It often seems that computers have a mind of their own, and what works one day may not work the next." Stephanie's favorite quote comes from Abraham Lincoln: "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Asked about her free time, Stephanie responds, "Who has free time? I have children that play sports!" Her hobbies include scrapbooking, photography and "hanging out with my family." Brenda Rolfe, Assistant Food Service Manager, Chiefland Elementary School: Brenda has worked for the district for one and a half years. What she likes best about her job is that it allows her to be on the same schedule as her daughter. "This is a blessing," says Brenda. She adds that one of the challenges of her job is learning the name of each child "because that makes the child smile and feel special." One of Brenda's favorite sayings is "I have to get all my ducks in a row." She says that "it doesn't matter how I spend my free time, as long as I am with my family. Her hobbies include volleyball, softball, and coaching Little League. Charlotte Hathcox, Food Service Manager, Chiefland Middle School: A 10-year School Board employee, Charlotte says that the children are the best part of her job. "I love my kids. No matter how bad my day is going, one of them will give a hug or a smile and then everything looks better." On the other hand, the paperwork involved in food service can be a challenge, according to Charlotte, "but I manage to muddle through." Although she doesn't have a favorite motto, Charlotte says her philosophy can be summed up this way: "When my life is done, if I have made a difference in a child's life, I will be happy." She says she spends her free time with her family. She is also active in her church, and enjoys reading and shopping for antiques. Susan Reiter, ISS Teacher Aide, Chiefland High School: Susan is a new School Board employee, having joined the CHS staff in 2004. She says she enjoys working with students and helping them improve academically. She adds that one of the challenges is aiding the many students who need one-on-one help. Susan's favorite quote is "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." She likes to spend her free time "quietly." Her interests include church activities, spending time with family and friends, and doing crafts. Patricia Fortune, ESE Teacher Aide, Hilltop Alternative School: Patricia joined the HTS staff four years ago, after two years as a substitute teacher. "What I like best about my job," says Patricia, "is working with the best principal and staff in the district. They all give over 100% and work as a group to get the job done." As for challenges, Patricia notes that the students at Hilltop "have great needs academically and emotionally."
Among her favorite quotes is this one, which she says sums up her philosophy: "Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best." Patricia's free time is spent "hanging out with my three daughters, and going to basketball games." she also enjoys cooking, crafts and ceramics. Sharon Strong, Health Assistant, Joyce Bullock Elementary School: Sharon joined the School Board family in 1990. As a health assistant, she says her biggest reward is "seeing the children smile after doing my best to take care of their needs." The biggest challenge of her job is never knowing what kind of emergency situation may occur. Sharon's favorite quote is the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." She likes to spend her free time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sports and reading. Bernita Hawkins-Smith, Food Service/Custodian, Williston Elementary School: Bernita has been a district employee since 1994. She says the best part of her job is "the kids! What else? Working and talking with the children—they learn and so do I." As for challenges, Bernita says that sometimes it is hard to realize that as a food service worker and custodian, her responsibilities limit the time she can give to helping the children she sees every day. She notes that as far as favorite quotes go, she has two favorite words: "Thank you." Bernita says her hobbies include "reading, sewing and sleeping." Ana Meyer-Santos, ESOL Teacher Aide, Williston Middle School: Ana has been employed at Williston Middle School for two years. As an ESOL aide, Ana works with children from many different cultures and their families, and this is what she likes best about her job. Her biggest challenge is meeting the individual needs of all 17 ESOL students whom she serves. Ana's favorite quote comes from Paulo Coelho: "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." She likes to spend her free time with her husband and daughter. "We love to travel and do things together." Her favorite hobby is reading. "I always have a book in my bag," she says. "Reading stimulates your mind and enriches your vocabulary." Dale Loomis, Lab Manager, Williston High School: Dale has been employed at WHS for six years. She says working with the students is the best part of her job. "I love to help kids solve problems in a positive way." Among the biggest challenges of her job is convincing students of the value of staying in school, and working hard so they don't fall behind. Dale's favorite quote comes from Steven Wright: "The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." Her favorite pastimes include working in her yard, playing with her dog Mugsy, and kayaking. Diane Mathews, Secretary, Yankeetown School: Diane has 19 years of service with the School Board of Levy County. As a secretary in the school's front office, she deals with children, parents and the community on a daily basis, and says this is what she enjoys most about her job. Her biggest challenge is working to make sure that everyone gets the help they need. Diane's favorite motto is: "Don't sweat the small stuff." She likes to spend her free time with her grandchildren and also enjoys reading. Kenneth Wade Harris, Electrician, District Office: Kenneth works in the Maintenance Department at the District Office, where he has been employed for 15 years. He says that traveling to the different schools in the county to work on various maintenance projects adds variety to his job. However, he adds that there are certain challenges that come with covering such a wide and varied work area, including maintaining and troubleshooting the schools' fire alarm systems. Kenneth's favorite motto is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He likes to spend his free time helping friends and family, and when he wants to relax he always reaches for his fishing gear. | 