Tampa, Fla. – (November 27, 2023) — It was a momentous Monday as the Surprise Patrol embarked on a journey to public schools across Hillsborough County. Their mission? To reveal and celebrate the outstanding educators and district staff selected as finalists for this year’s highly coveted Teacher of the Year, Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, and Instructional Support Employee of the Year awards.
With nominations pouring in from across Hillsborough County, these finalists truly represent the pinnacle of their craft, embodying a commitment to exceptional teaching and support. Winners for each category will be announced at the 2024 Excellence in Education Awards, a prestigious event hosted by Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), on February 1, 2024, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
The Surprise Patrol, comprising representatives from HEF, HCPS and various sponsors, made surprise announcements to each of the finalists today at their place of work.
2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists:
- Finalist: Barbara Zimmer – English, Arts and Social Studies, Bay Crest Elementary
- Finalist: Milca Lebron – Fifth Grade Math, Woodbridge Elementary
- Finalist: Kimberly Feroli – Reading Teacher/Teacher Talent Developer, Gaither High School
- Finalist: Clayton Nylund – Physics & Engineering Instructor, Howard W. Blake High School
- Finalist: Jaime Beulah – Access Points K-2, Corr Elementary
2024 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Finalists:
- Finalist: Suzy Tkacik – Media Specialist, Pride Elementary
- Finalist: Cheryl Flohr – ESE Teacher, Hospital/Homebound Program
- Finalist: Dr. Ilfaut Joseph – Community Resource Teacher, Jennings Middle School
- Finalist: Angela Roberts – School Counselor, Farnell Middle School
2024 Instructional Support Educator of the Year Finalists Route:
- Finalist: Billie Jo Nelson – Community School Officer, Collins PK-8
- Finalist: Joshua Fuentes – Head Custodian, Sumner High School
- Finalist: Bridget Wells – ESE Paraprofessional, Robinson Elementary School
- Finalist: Maria Ortiz – Secretary, Temple Terrace Elementary
2024 Excellence in Education Facts:
- Total Nominees – 634
- Teacher of the Year: 219 nominees (5 finalists named)
- Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: 215 nominees (4 finalists named)
- Instructional Support Employee of the Year: 200 nominees (4 finalists named)
- And don’t forget to save the date: Members of the media are invited to the Excellence in Education Awards on February 1, 2024, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. To celebrate our “rockstar” finalists, this year’s theme is “Let’s Band Together!”
When: February 1, 2024
Where: Morsani Hall, The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Schedule: Welcome Reception – 4:30pm | Awards Ceremony – 6:00pm | After Party – 7:15pm
For more information about the 2024 Excellence in Education Awards, please visit: educationfoundation.com/eie2024/
For additional information, contact:
- Colin Higgins, Director of Communications
- Cell: 813-525-0522
- chiggins@educationfoundation.com
