Palm Beach County school district in Greenacres David Samore is state’s principal of the year

Students love him for his charisma and open-mindedness. Teachers say he’s a dedicated mentor. David Samore, who leads Okeeheelee Middle in Greenacres, now has another accolade: Florida’s Principal of the Year. The Palm Beach County school district announced Thursday that Samore was selected as the top principal for middle and high schools by the Florida…

Florida Teacher of the Year Statewide Finalists Surprised in Classrooms

Tallahassee, Fla. – Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, joined by Macy’s representatives, traveled the state this week to announce the five statewide finalists for the 2016 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year. Each teacher was honored with a surprise presentation in his or her classroom. The Florida Teacher of the Year program honors…

Gov. Scott Presents Shine Awards to Eight Outstanding Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators from the around the state for their contributions to learning with the Governor’s Shine Awards. The Governor’s Shine Award is presented to educators and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. Governor Scott…

‘Imagine if we celebrated teachers as much as we celebrate athletes and celebrities’

Tuesday is National Teacher Day, part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which has taken on special resonance in recent years as many teachers feel increasingly dishonored by policymakers who have put them at the center of controversial reforms. So what do teachers get during this commemoration? Some companies offer discounts to teachers for various items, and…

Florida education department clarifies rules on student retention, teacher evaluations

The passage of HB 7069 into law changed the rules for evaluating Florida students and teachers. Exactly how has been the subject of much debate. There’s been a healthy back and forth, for instance, over whether the Legislature’s action gave school districts more flexibility on retaining third graders who score at the lowest levels of…

Gov. Scott Presents Shine Awards to Eight Outstanding Educators

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, during a meeting of Florida’s Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators from around the state for their contributions to educating Florida students with Governor’s Shine Awards. The Governor’s Shine Award is presented to educators and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. Governor Scott…