The Sunshine Science Corner: August 2007

Thursday, August 30th

Besides trying to create this blog space, answering emails, writing my application for the National Teacher of the Year and assorted office tasks I had the opportunity to host and attend a few neat things.
Last Friday my wife, Susan, and I hosted our school staff and district friends at the house for a celebration of the first week of school. I just needed to touch bases with friends and let them know how important they are to both of us. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones.
I also was honored to be among a group celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. This wonderful group of business and civic leaders has supported our teachers and school system in incredible ways. Each year tens of thousands of dollars go to grants which sponsor best practices in teaching throughout our district. I have been a recipient of some of these grants over the years and can attest to the wonderful learning experiences I was able to present as a result of their generosity. I will soon be attending Leadership Orlando classes hosted by the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce as a result of a scholarship generously donated yearly by the Foundation to the current District Teacher of the Year. A reception was held at the district office to honor the accomplishments of the Foundation and they were recognized at the monthly school board meeting. This reception kicks off a year of celebration!

An August Update

Many of my students have asked what happened after it was announced that I had become the 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year (quite a mouthful isn't it!). I wanted to take a few minutes to answer their question.

The days following the announcement included phone interviews, a press conference at our Orange County Public Schools Educational Leadership Center, a television interview in Miami, and over 240 emails! I have tried to answer all of them and was humbled by the many cards and emails that I received from former students, their parents and colleagues that I have worked at some time over the past 29 years. Macy's also surprised me with a new wardrobe and is hosting a trip for my family to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Macy's of Florida has supported teachers and sponsored the Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year program for the last 19 years and has contributed millions to the teachers of Florida! Thank you Macy's!!!!

I have flown to Tallahassee twice. Once to meet with our Education Commissioner and members of the Department of Education and the second time to be presented to the state Board of Education. On each visit I have been amazed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the DOE and I'm excited by many of the things I will be working on. I will keep everyone posted as an event takes place. My new best friend is Bonita Hampton, who oversees the Florida Teacher of the Year, coordinates my calendar and has helped me adjust to the changes in my professional life. If you have questions about a visit she can be reached at Bonita.Hampton.fldoe.org.

I have also been active within our district. I participated in the OCPS Great Beginnings new teacher induction program where I was privileged to spend two days with teachers who are just beginning their careers in Orange County. I was honored to be allowed to be a part of their first inservice experience. I also presented workshops at our district pre-planning inservice institute which was attended at the orange County Convention Center by thousands of teachers.

In one session I was presented with a car by the CFE Credit Union and six months of insurance from my State Farm agent! The 2002 Buick LaSabre is mine to keep and allows me to visit schools across the state in comfort! Thank you Joe Melbourne and the CFE and Don MacManus with State Farm!

Between travel, speaking and preparing speeches I have been organizing the year. As every teacher knows, preparation is the key to a successful year. So I've created and organized an office, written speeches, created Powerpoint presentations, been fitted for some of my new suits (my friends can share that I am not a clothes horse and am more comfortable in my worn "school clothes" or shorts), and organized my workshop materials. It is an ongoing process. I have also begun the process of completing the packet for National Teacher of the Year. I would invite each of you to find the application on the web and look it over. Wow!

There is much more that has taken place, but as the new school year gets into full swing I will add more. Thanks for reading.