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Teacher of the Year - Recognizing and Celebrating Outstanding Educators

Each year, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota County School Board proudly partner to present the Teacher of the Year program. The program honors the contributions of all educators by focusing public attention on those who demonstrate an extraordinary ability to inspire their students to love learning and achieve more. Our community takes great pride in the fact that, time after time, by every test and measure - reading, writing, math and college aptitude - Sarasota County students place at the top of the state. This success is due to the exceptional skills and dedication of our classroom teachers.

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary educators who demonstrate professionalism, leadership, excellent communication skills, and an outstanding commitment to student achievement and to the teaching profession.

Each school identifies its Teacher of the Year be considered for the district title of Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. A distinguished committee of educators and community members conducts intensive personal interviews with the candidates.

The annual celebratory awards luncheon honors Teachers of the Year from every Sarasota County public school. An Elementary, Middle School and High School Teacher of the Year are recognized as finalists for the district title. The Sarasota County Teacher of the Year is announced at the luncheon and begins a year as goodwill ambassador for the school district and our community representative at statewide educational events.

The individual Teachers of the Year represent their schools throughout the year at school and district events. They also participate in professional development and have the opportunity to share best practices and receive scholarships for continuing education.

In the spring, Future Teacher Scholarships, named for Premier Sponsors of the Teacher of the Year program, are presented to deserving Sarasota County public high school seniors who plan to major in education and return to Sarasota County to teach.

Community partners who value excellence in education join in the annual salute to classroom instructors and provide valuable support for the program as sponsors. With their help, the Teacher of the Year program addresses recruitment, training and recognition of our community's teachers and works to accomplish the following:
· Celebrate the important roles of our teachers.
· Model and showcase best practices in education.
· Provide opportunities for professional development.
· Encourage future educators by awarding scholarships to outstanding students who plan to return to Sarasota County to teach.

Sarasota County's professional educators play a significant role in the success of our community's children and deserve to be recognized. Thank you for joining us in encouraging and rewarding excellence in education through the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year program.

Teacher of the Year Program

Quality education concerns everyone.

It nurtures our children, strengthens our community, supplies our businesses with competent employees,
attracts positive growth, and serves our future by developing strong leaders.