This is my 17th year teaching, but first year with Pasco County Schools. JLMS faculty and staff has been so welcoming. Specifically, my mentor, Joe Riba has gone above beyond helping me be successful every day. I have never felt so supported. He has helped me with my technology, lesson planning, locating resources, sharing everything, giving me pointers/advice, and being a friend. He is the leader of our PLC and mentors many people. He constantly thinks of others, even fellow social studies teachers in the building and shares resources with them. He is flexible and responsive to other people’s ideas. He is easy going, but still a highly effective educator with a vision on excellence. I’m so thankful to have been placed with him. I wanted to recognize his tireless efforts that do not go unnoticed.

Retaining our daughter in first grade was a difficult decision but it was the best decision we have made for her education. She made so much progress with Ms. Gregg both socially and academically but she just needed more time with someone who loved and supported her along the way. Keeping her with Ms. Gregg for the second year in first grade was very important to us in this decision. Our daughter, Charley is autistic and relationships are a struggle for her. The connection she built with Ms. Gregg during the last two years is precious and Charley considers Ms. Gregg to be her best friend. Ms. Gregg asked Charley to have a special role in her wedding next year.

I recently had a medical emergency during one of my classes. My memory of the event is very fuzzy, but following my return, I was given a poem by one of my students. The student who wrote the poem, did a fantastic job explaining the experience through his art. It was mature it didn’t avoid any of the uncomfortableness or the seriousness of the event while also making me feel particularly valued by him. It was incredibly kind. The poem is now framed in my home office.

I just want to say that I am so thankful to have Wendy Oglesby as my cooperating teacher in 1st grade. I previously taught 3rd grade and was a little intimidated about going to a new grade and a new team. Wendy made me feel so welcomed and helped to guide me through the first week. She is truly an amazing asset to our team and I am so thankful to have her not only as my cooperating teacher but also as our team leader. She cares so much about each and everyone of our students and works to make sure that everyone is succeeding and thriving. She is truly the glue that keeps our team together.

Alyson LeDoux is a 4th year teacher at Gulfside Elementary School where I am the Instructional Trainer Coach. Alyson is not only a coworker, but my son's teacher. Alyson makes reading come alive in her room. Her patience, caring and attention to detail not only make her a wonderful teacher to those students like my son who is Autistic and ADHD but truly make her a rockstar to work with. Pasco County is lucky to have a teacher who intentionally plans for student success and makes everlasting relationships with her students and families.

This picture is of Mrs. LeDoux with past years students!

I would love to recognize Mrs. D’Auria as an outstanding member of the faculty at Gulf Highlands Elementary. Without her I’m not sure I ever would have gotten my son through the gate to his new school 6 years ago. She was a blessing to my family and we miss her so much, he went on to BPMS in 2022. She is a great asset to the school and the parents. She does more than most of you will ever realize. Appreciate her, she is the one who’s always got your back ❤️

Mr. Josh works closely with my son, Theo, at Connerton Elementary School. He helps during meal times, learning activities and getting Theo from one place to another at school. Most recently, Theo and some of his classmates attended a Special Olympics event and Mr. Josh went above and beyond to make sure Theo could participate fully in this special day. Thank you, Mr. Josh, for all that you do for Theo and his peers. Your hard work and efforts are so appreciated!

Cara Carter is who I’m sharing about. We knew her starting in the smaller grades where I saw the light kids have when she talks to them and the biggest smiles on their faces when they get a hug. Now her being in 4th grade has been the biggest blessing. She is a safe place for all children and has really went above and beyond for my child to know that. She is never too busy to listen and talk them through their feelings. She is patient and calm and compassionate with her words. Even with her heavy school and work load she is never too busy for her students. She creates bonds that last long after these kiddos have left her classroom and an impression that will stay with them forever. She was the deciding factor for us on where to attend this year. I know so many people who feel the same about her and I hope this will get her a little more recognition and show her how loved she is. I know teaching is hard these days and everyone needs all the love and encouragement they can get. Especially when they deserve it like she does so much. Thank you!