37 Teachers Recognized By Governor Rick Scott

ORLANDO, FL. -- Today, Governor Rick Scott recognized 37 outstanding educators for their contributions to learning with the Governor’s Shine Awards. The Shine Award is presented to Florida educators who have impacted the lives of students through the classroom. The teachers recognized today were all named District Teachers of the Year for their respective counties, including from Hendry county, Kimberly Jordan.

Governor Scott said, “I am so honored to be able to present the Governor’s Shine Award to these 2014-2015 District Teachers of the Year. As we celebrate Florida’s successes in education we must applaud our teachers’ commitment to educating Florida’s children. Florida’s students are among the best in the nation thanks to the commitment of our great educators. Our wonderful teachers play a fundamental role in preparing our students for college and a career.

“I would also like to congratulate the 2015 Florida Teacher of the Year award winner, Christie Bassett. Christie has found a way to teach art through reading, writing, math, and social studies, and this unique method has allowed her integrate other academic subjects and critical thinking skills into her art lessons.”

Christie Bassett was named the Florida Teacher of the Year gala event last night. She will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education representing the Department of Education and teachers throughout the state. The Teacher of the Year may conduct workshops, address fellow teachers, parents, and business and community leaders at conferences and meetings, and talk to student groups about careers in education. She will also receive a $10,000 grant funded by the Macy’s Foundation and awards from Macy’s including an all-expense paid trip to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The following teachers were presented with the Governor’s Shine Award:

Matthew Yount, Brevard County
Daniel Shapiro, Broward County
Sharon Bruno, Charlotte County
Alex Stubenbort, Citrus County
Matthey Boyack, Clay County
Joseph Frencl, Duval County
Jill Espinosa, Flagler County
Vivian Wilson, Florida A&M University Lab School
Agnes Nemeth, Florida Atlantic University Lab School
Sandra Brown, Florida Department of Corrections
James Penna, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
Melanie Hester, Florida State University Lab School
Elise Harris, Florida Virtual School
Cori Becker, Gilchrist County
Mary Driskell, Hardee County
Kimberly Jordan, Hendry County
John Imhof, Hernando County
Lyndsey Matheny, Indian River County
Anna Martin, Jackson County
Sunny Wimberley, Lafayette County
Robin Oliveri, Leon County

Jennifer Willis, Manatee County
Patricia Morris, Martin County
Myrna Betancouty, Miami-Dade County
Karen McKenzie, Monroe County
Victoria Hurley, Okaloosa County
RaeAnn Whiteside, Okeechobee County
Kristen Iannuzzi, Orange County
Michelle Gunning, Palm Beach County
Kevin Ford, Pinellas County
Christie Bassett, Polk County
Matthew Bergen, Putnam County
Lisa Figueroa, Sarasota County
Bridget Dycus, Seminole County
Heather Bolitho, St. Lucie County
Ann Heller, University of Florida Lab School
Grace Kellermeier, Volusia County