(Jan. 23, 2020) TAMPA – Amid cheers and support from school colleagues, family and community leaders, three Hillsborough County Public Schools staff now hold a new title: winner of the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year.
- 2020 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year
o Keyada George, Seventh Grade English Language Arts Teacher at Wilson Middle School - 2020 Instructional Support Employee of the Year
o Angela White, Sign Language Interpreter at Colson Elementary School - 2020 Teacher of the Year
o Miranda Harwood, Fourth Grade Teacher at Brooker Elementary School
Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools announced these three winners at the annual Excellence in Education Awards tonight at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The winners received this top honor out of 705 nominees chosen by their peers from schools across the district.
Every day, more than 24,000 teachers and staff in our district make a difference in students’ lives. They play a critical role in providing a welcoming academic environment where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential in school and in life—and deserve this recognition.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS EMBARGOED UNTIL FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020
PLEASE DO NOT REVEAL THE SCHOOLS’ SURPRISE PLANS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE WINNER UNTIL IT HAPPENS
The celebration continues tomorrow morning, Friday, January 24th, at two of the winners’ schools. You are invited to attend these celebrations. Please contact Kendra Oestreich, if you’re planning to send a photographer/reporter.
2020 Teacher of the Year, Miranda Harwood, Brooker Elementary School
At 8:00 a.m., Brooker Elementary current and former students, staff and Miranda Harwood’s family will greet the 2020 Teacher of the Year with a clap-in, flowers, balloons and a crown. She’ll also make an appearance on the morning show with her family. Her name and new title will be displayed on the school’s marquee.
2020 Instructional Support Employee of the Year, Angela White, Colson Elementary School
Angela “Angie” White will begin her day at Colson Elementary at 7:40 a.m. with a surprise assembly in the courtyard with students, staff and Ms. White’s family. During the assembly, both her deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as general education students will thank her for her work. The 2020 Instructional Support Employee of the Year will walk the red carpet and be presented with flowers, a crown, tierra and sash.
2020 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Keyada George, Wilson Middle School
The previously scheduled surprise has been canceled on Friday and will be rescheduled for Monday. Details will be sent in a follow-up media release.
WINNERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
2020 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Keyada George, Wilson Middle School
Keyada George received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Virginia Tech and a Master of Teaching degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been a Hillsborough County Public Schools teacher for 4 years. When she is not teaching, Keyada chairs the Sunshine Social Club for staff at Wilson Middle School, works in the HOST before-school program and leads many schoolwide spirit activities for students. Outside of school, she is a homeowners’ association board member for her neighborhood. She credits her husband, two children and being raised by a single mother for her drive and success.
2020 Instructional Support Employee of the Year, Angela White, Colson Elementary School
Angela “Angie” White is a graduate of Hillsborough County and began her career more than 27 years ago at Dover Exceptional Center volunteering to teach sign language to parents. She has worked with all ages from Pre-Kindergarten to post-graduation. Angie’s current position serves as a critical role in a newly implemented fused model that allows her to work fluidly with hearing and deaf students. She diligently uses resources to ensure that all students have access to the curriculum and services the needs of 12 highly diverse deaf and hard of hearing children. Angie has also worked with the deaf community as an interpreter at the University of South Florida and a freelance interpreter throughout the district. Angie enjoys being a soccer mom and camping with her family.
2020 Teacher of the Year, Miranda Harwood, Brooker Elementary School
Miranda Harwood has been in the Florida educational system for 14 years, 10 years in Hillsborough County. She is an alumna of University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Reading Education and an endorsement in ESOL and Reading. Her accolades include: Florida High Impact Teacher, Level 5 Highly Effective Rating for 6 consecutive years and selected as her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2006-2007, 2016-2017 and 2018-19. Miranda is enthusiastic, very competitive and highly driven toward creating a dynamic learning environment for her children to develop a lifelong eagerness for knowledge through the experiences in the classroom.
Excellence in Education Awards Facts:
Total Nominees – 705
- Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: 234Number of Finalists: 4
- Instructional Support Employee of the Year: 233Number of Finalists: 4
- Teacher of the Year: 238Number of Finalists: 5One finalist from each category will be announced as the winner during the awards ceremony
Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Finalists
- Keyada George, Wilson Middle School Seventh Grade English Language Arts Teacher
- James Martinez, Hillsborough High School Industrial Education Teacher
- Heidi Meyer, Lopez Exceptional Center Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher
- Julie Snyder, Robinson Elementary School Migrant Advocate TeacherInstructional Support Employee of the Year Finalists
- Natosha Bagley, Witter Elementary School Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Paraprofessional
- Eliane Broche, Claywell Elementary School Head Custodian
- Shirley Rosario, Farnell Middle School Principal’s Secretary
- Angela White, Colson Elementary School Sign Language InterpreterTeacher of the Year Finalists
- Samantha Hartman, Mort Elementary School First Grade Teacher
- Miranda Harwood, Brooker Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher
- Chanell Newell, Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy Sixth Grade Reading Teacher
- Sommer SanFilippo, Mendenhall Elementary School Reading Resource Teacher
- Megan Thomas, Riverview High School Biology TeacherAbout Hillsborough Education Foundation
Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. HEF’s resources and financial support enrich K–12 educational experiences by providing opportunities for all students, regardless of background or economic status. Together with our community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality and increase graduation rates, bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at educationfoundation.com.