Announcing the Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year
and School-Related Employee of the Year
Friday, February 4, 2022, 6 p.m.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announces its finalists for Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year for the 2022 Caliber Awards.
The winners will be revealed on Friday, February 4, 2022, during the 2022 Caliber Awards Ceremony – an event designed to honor the nominees, semi-finalists and finalists in each category for their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. The event takes place at DRV PNK Stadium (formerly Lockhart Stadium) in Fort Lauderdale and begins at 6 p.m. Media are invited to cover the ceremony.
This year, two elementary school teachers, one middle school teacher and two high school teachers are vying for the coveted BCPS Teacher of the Year award. A distinguished panel of educators, business and community members selected the finalists from a field of more than 200 teachers named Teacher of the Year at their respective schools.
Congratulations to the following 2022 Teacher of the Year finalists for demonstrating a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Esther Charles, with 18 years teaching experience in BCPS, has spent the last six years at Sheridan Technical College and High School preparing her students to be college and career ready.
“It’s once in a lifetime that you meet an individual as dynamic as Ms. Charles,” said Sheridan Technical College Director Thomas Moncilovich. “Her dedication is matched only by her leadership.”
Elizabeth Fahy has served at New River Middle School for the past 17 years. As head of the marine science department, she focuses on collaborative learning and individual lessons, where students have a voice and choice.
“As one of the teachers in our marine science program, she has shown not only a dedication to environmental issues but also a true passion for marine science, our magnet program and especially our students,” said New River Middle Principal Melinda Wessinger.
Brandon Forbes is an English teacher at Hallandale High School. In less than five years, he’s expanded his role as ninth grade English language arts instructor to include Cambridge (AICE) International, honors English, Advanced Placement English and is English department chair.
“From remedial to honors and advanced placement, Mr. Forbes is adept at adjusting his lessons so that no one gets bored or left behind,” said Hallandale High Principal Mark Howard. “He serves as a leader wherever he’s needed and does so with a humble heart.”
Jeannie Krouch, a 20-year primary grade educator, has spent the past nine years at Westchester Elementary School, providing educational experiences for kindergarten and first grade students.
“A consummate professional, Mrs. Krouch is intentional in her innate ability to connect with her students and parents,” said Westchester Elementary Principal Melissa Geraine. “She approaches her work every day with enthusiasm.”
Seema Naik, a teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, started her career in education 10 years ago – first as a volunteer so she could be involved in her two daughters’ education. She then applied to become a cafeteria aide and teacher assistant before becoming a primary grade teacher.
“In my experience as a school leader, there are only a few teachers I would consider to be a pioneer. It is clear-cut in my mind that Mrs. Naik is a STEM pioneer in the education world,” said Eagle Ridge Elementary Principal Lindsey Sierra. “She has led Eagle Ridge in creating new STEM opportunities for our students.”
Congratulations also to the finalists for Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year for their innovative leadership and exemplary contributions to students, schools and communities.
Principal of the Year Finalists
- Mitshuca Moreau, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy
- Heilange Porcena, North Side Elementary School
Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists
- Derek Gordon, Western High School
- Anthony Smith, Everglades High School
School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists
- Kimberly Kummler, Manatee Bay Elementary School
- Dawn Michaud, Pasadena Lakes Elementary School
- Matilde Padilla, Silver Lakes Elementary School
- Rachel Kelly Silber, Hollywood Hills High School
- Danielle St. Leon, Hollywood Central Elementary School
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting Caliber Awards sponsors include Aetna, Bank of America, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association, Broward Teachers Union, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, PNC Bank and Royal Caribbean Group.
For more information about the finalists and the 2022 Caliber Awards Ceremony, visit browardschools.com/caliber-awards. Watch the live event at becon.tv/caliber.