TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - A fifth-grade teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary School has been named the 2015 Leon County Schools Teacher of the Year.
Betsy Penn was surprised by Superintendent Jackie Pons Thursday with the announcement. Penn has been teaching at Kate Sullivan for 14 years and has taught all grade levels.
“My leadership roles are driven by the passion to learn and grow,” Betsy wrote in her application. “Teaching is an opportunity to impact lives. The guidance that I provide is aimed to ignite a fire and passion for learning in students and teachers.”
“Betsy Penn is a remarkable teacher with remarkable qualities,” said Principal Pam Stephens.
Penn was selected by a committee made of up past winners, district administrators, community members, a Leon Classroom Teachers Association representative and a School Board representative. They conduct a blind review of each candidate.
The remaining district finalists were:
· Karen Minert, Success Academy
· Angeleen Harry, Sabal Palm Elementary
· Erma Sever, Roberts Elementary
· Tim Girard, Raa Middle
