LARGO, Fla. – The Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools have announced the 10 finalists in the 2017-18 Outstanding Educator of the Year recognition program. District officials, along with representatives of the Pinellas Education Foundation, notified the finalists of their status during surprise classroom visits on November 14 and 15, 2017.
The Outstanding Educator of the Year finalists are:
- Jessica Black, a fourth grade teacher at Bear Creek Elementary School
- Jessie Boyce, a math teacher at Tyrone Middle School
- Jennifer Denmon, an English/language arts teacher at Boca Ciega High School
- Sarah Deturk, a social science teacher at East Lake Middle School Academy
- Jenni Herman, a second grade teacher at Pinellas Central Elementary School
- Ann McNicol, a science teacher at Countryside High School
- Jason Obara, a music teacher at Carwise Middle School
- Katie Swango, a math teacher at Bay Point Middle School
- Jeanne Wellings, a gifted teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary School
- Heather Wiseman, an English/language arts teacher at East Lake High School
The district received 126 nominations, which were scored by a panel of judges who determined the 10 finalists based on multiple criteria. The finalists will undergo an interview process and a second round of scoring by a different panel of judges who will select the final winner.
The 10 finalists will participate on a float sponsored by Casper’s McDonalds in the annual Snowfest Parade in St. Petersburg on December 2, 2017. All of the nominees and finalists will be honored, and the 2017-18 Outstanding Educator of the Year will be announced at the annual Evening of Excellence, which is presented by the Pinellas Education Foundation and sponsored by Ditek, Humana and the Tampa Bay Rays, at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
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About The Evening of Excellence
This annual event pays tribute to the Best Educators and the Best Business Partners who create ever expanding opportunities for Pinellas County’s children. It also celebrates the contributions of a business leader who is inducted into the Pinellas Free Enterprise Hall of Honor, in recognition of his/her community service and advocacy for education.
About Pinellas County Schools
Pinellas County Schools is the seventh largest school district in Florida and 24th largest in the nation, serving more than 101,997 K12 students at 132 schools. With more than 17,000 employees, the school district is the largest employer in the county. The vision of Pinellas County Schools is 100% Student Success. We encourage parents, business leaders and community members to partner with us in our mission to educate and prepare each student for college, career and life.
About the Pinellas Education Foundation
The Pinellas Education Foundation is an independent, non-governmental not-for-profit established in 1986. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and improve educational opportunities in Pinellas County Schools. Well known Pinellas Education Foundation programs include: Enterprise Village, Finance Park, Future Plans, Take Stock in Children Scholarships, Youth Connect and Teacher Classroom Grants.