Congratulations to the 2021 Caliber Awards winners. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announced its top teacher, principal, assistant principal and school-related employee at the 10th annual Caliber Awards Ceremony held at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, February 26, 2021. The annual event honored more than 500 dedicated and talented nominees representing the best in BCPS and 16 extraordinary finalists for their exceptional leadership and hard work.
For the first time, this year’s ceremony was a unique outdoor celebration that adhered to strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. Nearly 1,000 guests attended the physically distanced event and a live stream was available for online viewers.
And the winners are…
Teacher of the Year
Monika Moorman, Central Park Elementary School
Monika Moorman, a 23-year veteran educator who has taught first through fifth grades, has spent the last three years teaching fourth grade at Central Park Elementary School. Moorman says she teaches to leave an imprint on the world to make it a better place. “I wake up every morning thinking about ways I can be a more effective educator than I was the day before,” Moorman said. “Education is a journey of self-discovery, where students are empowered to realize their full potential.” She understands the need for constant growth and believes it’s a teacher’s responsibility to challenge students to become inquisitive, assertive and self-aware. “The next generation should be taught to stand out rather than fit in.”
Principal of the Year
Dr. Washington Collado, James S. Rickards Middle School
Dr. Washington Collado has served as principal at James S. Rickards Middle School for the last eight of his 15 years with BCPS. “Education is the great equalizer of potentials, where present conditions of poverty and other obstacles can be overcome by empowerment and opportunities provided at school,” Collado said. “I am pleased with the success of our students, the commitment of our educators, the learning organization we have built together, and the strong community ties we have fostered at Rickards Middle School. The collective efforts and teamwork of our teachers and support staff have produced positive results for our students.”
Assistant Principal of the Year
Louis Kushner, New Renaissance Middle School
Louis Kushner has served as assistant principal at New Renaissance Middle School for the last three years. “I want nothing more than for my teachers to feel supported to the best of my ability, and for my students to feel that their education and their life matters to someone,” Kushner said. He believes that educators are here to provide a service, and that education must be collaborative, flexible and empowering. “Teaching and learning the needs of each family must be addressed in educating the next generation,” he added.
School-Related Employee of the Year
Jacqueline Sanchez, Griffin Elementary School
Jacqueline Sanchez is a micro tech specialist at Griffin Elementary School, where she has served all her 21 years in the District. In addition to managing and maintaining the school’s computers and digital equipment, and providing eLearning support, Sanchez sponsors the school’s environmental club – Griffin’s Eco Patrol – where she works with students eager to learn about their environment. “I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my passion for the environment with working with students to promote environmental literacy,” Sanchez said.
Special thanks to Caliber Awards presenting sponsor BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting sponsors include Aetna, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association (BPAA), Broward Teachers Union, Dunkin’, Florida Trane, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler School of Education and School of Criminal Justice, PNC Bank and Royal Caribbean International.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 92 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 177 different countries and 151 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.