TAVARES — From coaching stellar mathletes to helping differently abled students transition to adult life to instilling in youth the importance of communication and the world around them, three new Lake County Teacher of the Year finalists have gone above and beyond in teaching their subject matter.
Superintendent Diane Kornegay, along with representatives from the district, the Education Foundation of Lake County and Jenkins Auto Group, visited Jenna Leigh Patrick, a seventh-grade math and honors algebra teacher at Aurelia M. Cole K-8 Academy (ACA); Lisa Bryant, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher for a work-study program at Lake Minneola High School; and Cynthia Henderson, a fourth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Treadway Elementary School.
According to a news release from Lake County Schools, Kornegay announced that a panel of judges working with the foundation selected the three educators as finalists for Lake’s Teacher of the Year.
Jenna Leigh Patrick, Aurelia M. Cole K-8 Academy
Patrick has taught for five years, two in her current position. She helped the school achieve “top performance” in 7th-grade math last year. Her students outperformed all other middle schools in math proficiency, ACA Principal Scott Voytko said. She also coaches volleyball.
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“Mrs. Patrick has a remarkable ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging to striving students, which fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom,” Scott wrote in his recommendation letter. “Her lessons are characterized by clarity, creativity and real-world applications, ensuring that every student not only understands the material but believes in themselves.”
Lisa Bryant, Lake Minneola High School
Bryant has been a teacher for 12 years and has spent the past five guiding ESE students, ages 18-22, in a transition program that allows them to defer their diplomas to work on life and vocational skills. She also serves as co-chair of the ESE department at Lake Minneola High.
“Every day, Lisa approaches her work with unparalleled dedication, ensuring that her students not only receive quality education but are also equipped with the tools they need to thrive in life,” Principal William Roberts wrote in a letter of recommendation. “What stands out most is her unwavering belief in the potential of every student she teaches, no matter the challenges they face.”
Cynthia Henderson, Treadway Elementary School
In her 22nd year of teaching and in her current role for five years, Henderson also serves as the lead adviser for Treadway Elementary School’s National Elementary Honor Society chapter, organizing community service initiatives.
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“Ms. Henderson is a phenomenal educator who deeply engages her students in reading and critical thinking,” Venessa King, principal of Treadway, wrote in a letter to the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. “She has an innate ability to bring lessons to life, immersing her students in the material and providing them with the tools they need to excel not only in the current year, but in the years to come.”
A look back at last year’s winner: Meet Mount Dora High ag teacher Cindy Bellamy, Lake County Teacher of the Year
One of the three finalists will be named Lake County’s newest Teacher of the Year and will drive away with the grand prize, a 2025 automobile from Jenkins Auto Group, at a ceremony hosted by The Education Foundation of Lake County on Jan. 30.
Other prizes from Ernie Morris Enterprises and other community partners will be awarded. The Lake County winner will go on to compete at the state level for the title of Florida Teacher of the Year.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Lake County Schools names finalists for Teacher of the Year
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