Orange County Public Schools is excited to reveal the five Teacher of the Year finalists. The winners will be announced at the Stellar awards ceremony in February. The finalists are:
Rosemary Carsello, School Secretary, Lake Buena Vista High School
Ms. Carsello loves being part of a school environment and helping the students and staff with their day-to-day needs. She provides professional development to enhance her co-workers’ capabilities and serves as a leader to other newly appointed school secretaries to help them adjust to their role quickly and effectively. Ms. Carsello said she feels inspired each day when she sees the challenges and opportunities the students, staff and parents confront. These experiences motivate her to be more open-minded, understanding and thoughtful in all that she does.
Davina Chunoo, School Secretary, Gotha Middle School
In addition to serving as the school secretary, Ms. Chunoo is the ADDitions coordinator, Partner in Education coordinator and Student Government Association adviser. She seeks ways to perform intentional acts of kindness to make her school community a better place, like with the “Survivor” game she developed to help the faculty and students finish the school year strong. Ms. Chunoo also encourages her student leaders to create moments of positivity for themselves and others and believes these meaningful experiences can change the course of one’s life.
Joy Hamilton, Exceptional Student Education Program Assistant, Sunridge Middle School
Ms. Hamilton asserts there is nothing more inspiring than gaining the trust of children and them feeling safe, seen and heard. Working with students who have physical disabilities has taught her to be aware of their abilities and where an individual student may need academic and emotional support. Ms. Hamilton believes success breeds self-confidence and self-worth, which is one of the reasons she started a mentorship program. Her time, compassion and dedication inspired students to improve their grades and behavior.
Jessica Perez Perez, School Secretary/Bookkeeper, Wheatley Elementary School
Her ability to multitask, while making each person she encounters feel important, is one of Ms. Perez’s strengths. She enjoys being able to assist administrators, staff and students, and looks for ways to be of service to her school. Sometimes that is a hug to console an upset child or helping someone interviewing for a job. In addition to serving her school community, she volunteers as a chaplain, visiting children in the hospital to provide emotional support, hope and a caring presence during their stay.
Kelly Pfeiffer, School Nurse, Maitland Middle School
The health and safety of every student and staff member serves as Ms. Pfeiffer’s overlying motivator to aid others however necessary. From applying a bandage and ice packs to injuries to actively listening when a student feels downtrodden and needs encouragement from a reassuring caretaker, Ms. Pfeiffer works to make a difference in their lives. She also created a system that provides administrators access to their school’s health information in a confidential, quick and efficient manner.
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