Congratulations Florida teachers! Florida's educational system is now ranked 5th in the nation! This continues the growth that we have been seeing for many years now and it is a tribute to the wonderful teachers and students that call Florida home. Job Well Done!

☆☆ Four Gold Stars for You!☆☆

Young, Gifted Teachers

Yesterday, I was filming my TV show "Classroom Connection" at a local middle school. My show is meant to spotlight innovative techniques and strategies as well as the many programs in our county's schools. I have been having a great time filming the show...visiting schools and teachers is my favorite thing to do...but yesterday, was special.

Yesterday, I purposefully asked to visit the classroom of two young teacher phenoms. Boy, was I left wanting more...those two ladies wowed me with their wisdom, excited me with their enthusiasm and grabbed my attention the minute they began speaking. Instead of focusing on strategies yesterday, I focused on young teachers. Why they leave and how to support them.

I want to encourage veteran teachers to find a new teacher at your school or near-by. Take them by the hand and show them the ropes...or, like I did, learn a thing or two! Collaboration makes us all better and our students are the beneficiaries.

Thank you Megan and Sally...I hope you both know what an amazing gift you have. And, I only hope that after 11 years, I teach half as well as you both do.

Vero Beach Christmas Parade

Happy Holidays Everyone! Thank you to the city of Vero Beach for creating a memory that I will treasure forever. Parade watchers of all ages came out to sip hot chocolate, eat some candy canes and wave at their friends at they passed by. I was greeted with cheers, waves, acknowledgements and even standing ovations as I passed by...thank you, Vero. I am so happy I live in a small town!

(A special thanks to Katie and Todd for driving me around!)

Thank You Macys!!

New York, New York! I had an amazing time attending the New York Parade. The city was great, the people were friendly and Macys was so generous! I have never been so spoiled!

USF and SFU Educator Graduation

Recently, I had the pleasure to speak at both the University of South Florida and the Southeastern University graduation ceremonies for their Educational Departments. I left there energized and invigorated. Looking around those rooms, I know that public education is in great hands. Thank you graduates and professors for making me feel so special and for reminding me just how lucky I am to be able to say that I AM A TEACHER!

(pictured - Lori Yusko, the vibrant SCATT director from USF)

Never Felt so Special

I have truly been blessed! I am thankful for the outpouring of encouragement and support that I have felt from my community and indeed from across the state of Florida.

Yesterday, at our local school board meeting, Representative Debbie Mayfield presented me with a beautiful tribute plaque. I was honored to have Representative Mayfield as a guest at my table at the Teacher of the Year Gala in Orlando.

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and encouraging words. Also, a special thank you to my nine year old son, Matthew for acting as my personal photographer for the event.

Webinars

Thank you to Amy Heflin of Florida Virtual School for sharing this website! To register for this Science Webinar on July 29th, click the link below.

http://ndsl072910.eventbrite.com

Also, go to the SREB website (www.srebonlineteachers.org) and register to receive information about more upcoming webinars covering all subject areas. This is a great source of new ideas for incorportating technology into your classroom.

Thank you for sharing, Amy!!