Physical Education/Health Education
Port Malabar Elementary

2017 SHAPE K-12 Florida Health Educator of the Year

As a teacher and coach for over 37 years I have always been eager to learn and grow. Teaching elementary, middle and high school students has stretched my teaching skills, but did not compare to how I would grow as the 2017 Brevard Teacher of the Year. Becoming a member of the Florida Teacher Lead Network, FTLN, provided me an opportunity to learn strategies to mentor my colleagues and advance my teaching skill set. There were times where I was overwhelmed with the responsibility and urgency for our mission- Highest Achievement…Every Student, Every Day, but with the support of the DOE and my coaches, I received the encouragement and guidance that I needed. My students and my colleague’s students would benefit from the new resolve that was kindled within FTLN.

It was humbling to have these opportunities to learn and grown with my fellow Teachers of the Year, but also to work with elected leaders, State Board of Education Members, and the Commissioner of Education. In forums like the Governor’s Summit, I knew I was no longer speaking for myself, but also for my friends and colleagues. I realized that teachers are valued and respected in the state of Florida. With FTLN’s commitment to Teacher Leadership on the state level, and also within my own district, Brevard Teacher Leadership Council, I know that I am not alone. I still have much to learn, but have colleagues and support systems to further the work we are all so passionate about, the education of our youth.

Mark and his students check the rapidly growing cauliflower they are growing in the school garden.