Teacher of the Year awarded to Milton's Beth Lees

An ambush of excited faces told Beth Lees that she won Teacher of the Year for 2010.

Santa Rosa Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick, Santa Rosa School Board Members, and members of the Santa Rosa Education Foundation Teacher of the Year Selection Committee surprised Lees in her classroom this morning to announce her selection as Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year 2010.

Lees has taught third grade at B.C. Russell Elementary School in Milton since it opened two years ago.  She has thirteen years of elementary level teaching experience and has facilitated professional development courses in reading throughout the Santa Rosa School District.

“I realize that each student has potential and I strive each day to radiate an enthusiasm that will ignite in them a passion for learning,” Beth stated in her nomination packet.

The SREF Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, which consists of administrators, business and community leaders, and past Santa Rosa Teachers of the Year, observed finalists in their classrooms and conducted interviews before selecting this year’s Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year.

The Santa Rosa Golden Apple Celebration will be held on Feb. 27 at New World Landing to present Teacher of the Year awards and honor all Santa Rosa County teachers.  For sponsorship information or tickets to the event visit www.santarosa.k12.fl.us or call 983-5043.

For more on this story, see the Feb. 5 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.