Congratulations to the outstanding educators chosen as Teacher of the Year finalists for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) 2023 Caliber Awards. On Friday, December 9, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright, School Board members, and school leaders visited teachers in their classrooms with the surprise announcements and gift baskets.
The five finalists vying for the top honor include:
Dr. Danielle Bradley, a ninth-grade Cambridge AICE, honors and gifted English teacher at Coral Glades High School (21 years in education, all with BCPS).
“Dr. Bradley has a dynamic way of including students authentically in their own learning,” said Principal Dr. Mark Kaplan. “She methodically plans her lessons and demonstrates an uncanny ability to make those lessons come alive for her students.”
Otto Jesus Rodriquez, an 11th grade science teacher at South Broward High School (35 years in education, 20 years with BCPS).
“Mr. Rodriguez sets the bar extremely high for all those who work in education with his compassion, dedication and level of service to his students,” said Principal Patricia Brown. “It is difficult to convey how awe-inspiring Mr. Rodriguez truly is. He has an outstanding impact on all his students and colleagues.”
Haley Shurack, a pre-K Exceptional Student Education teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing at Tropical Elementary School (five years in education, three with BCPS).
“Mrs. Shurack has demonstrated success in working with children through her love and care for her students,” said Principal Robert Schneider. “She has been a leader in innovative teaching techniques for our youngest deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Her work over the years has been marked by devotion, integrity and loyalty.”
Lashaundra Williams, a ninth – 12th grade social science, U.S. history and Advanced Placement psychology teacher at Hallandale High School (nine years in education, seven with BCPS).
“Ms. Williams is an enthusiastic educator who works tirelessly to ensure her students receive every opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Principal Mark Howard. “As the social studies department chair, she leads her department with integrity and attention to detail.”
Jennifer Wilson, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Tequesta Trace Middle School (16 years in education, eight with BCPS).
“Mrs. Wilson is a teacher who does not know how to say no,” said her Principal Robert Rivera. “Her leadership is infectious. Her tenacity is incomparable. Her passion for teaching and learning has impacted those around her to be better teachers and administrators.”
“I extend warm congratulations to all the Teachers of the Year and especially to the five finalists who work hard each day to ensure every student has access to a world-class education,” Cartwright said. “We celebrate and honor all of our incredible teachers who demonstrate unwavering dedication to engaging, encouraging and inspiring our students.”
The District’s Teacher of the Year will be announced during the 2023 Caliber Awards Ceremony – an event designed to honor the nominees, semi-finalists and finalists for Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year – for their exemplary service in education and dedication to students. The event takes place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 6 p.m.
