This is Teacher Appreciation Week, when we celebrate all the work that teachers do to help our kids and prepare them for the future. To honor local teachers, Chevrolet partnered with the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools to give out 215 "Teachers of the Year" awards. Each winner received 2 Walt Disney World passes.
This has been one of the most difficult years in teaching history, and these "Teachers of the Year" didn't just do their job, they went above and beyond to make sure that their students were successful.
Recipients of the Teacher of the Year awards include:
Laura Stile, an English Language Arts teacher from Dream Lake Elementary School
Ms. Stiles' philospophy is to "treat every student with love, respect and dignity. Build strong, trusting relationships so that your classroom becomes a safe-haven for students."
Ms. Stile was nominated by one of her parents who had this to say about her, "My beautiful, seemingly healthy, extremely bright, and active, seven year old son, Carson, was diagnosed with an inoperable, incurable, brain stem glioma on Christmas Day of 2002, while being a student in Mrs. Stile’s class... Carson had to endure daily rounds of radiation and soon became too weak to come to school. Mrs. Stile, who had five year old twin boys at the time, would teach her class at Dream Lake, then get off and come to my house and teach Carson. She didn’t advertise the things she did for Carson. She just cared about her student.”
Jesse Cohen a Theatre teacher from Innovation Middle School
Mr. Cohen was nominated by his school principal who had this to say about him, "For anyone who is involved with putting on such a performance they would know that this is a feat in and of itself, but that's not the amazing part. The amazing part that is noticed most is how methodical and intentional Mr. Cohen is to give students a voice. That is his super power.”
Richardo Delfosse a Civics teacher at Lockhart Middle School
Mr. Delfosse grew up in the community that he teaches in and understands the daily challenges that his students face. Even with those challenges, he encourages his students to see beyond their current environment and challenges and to work towards success.
Mr. Delfosse was recommended by his principal who has this to say about him, "It is often said that teaching is a matter of the heart and I truly believe that Mr. Delfosse gives and instructs from his heart...Educating our future is truly an inside job, a matter of the heart, and Mr. Delfosse has a huge heart full of love to share with our students and those he will impact in the future.”
Jessica Benscoter an Instructional Coach at Stone Lakes Elementary School
Ms. Benscoter's teaching methodolgy is based on Galileo's philosophy that "you cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself.” She helps students make connections outside of the classroom that enhances their learning.
Ms. Benscoter was nominated by her assistant principal who had this to say about her, “During this pandemic Mrs. Benscoter has been the driving force in using the 3D printer to provide much needed PPE equipment for our community members! Teaching our students and families the importance of giving back to the community.
Congratulations to all the Teachers of the Year and as you brough the magic to students this year, we hope Disney World brings a little magic to you.
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