Joshua Garrett
Westridge MS
Number of years in education: 8
Number of years in OCPS: 9
First school you taught at: Winegard Elementary School
Alma Mater: Valencia College / University of Central Florida
How do you hope your students remember you?
Middle school, in general, is a challenging time for many students as they navigate the ins and outs of school, their peers, and their own self-discovery. I hope my students remember me as someone they could easily connect with during such a volatile time in their life.
What is the best thank-you gift you ever got from a student and why?
I had a group of students pool their money together and buy me a real metal crown and crowned me "Best Teacher." It's by far one of my most favorite 'awards' because it came from those who see –on a daily basis – the work and passion I have for my profession.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't underestimate yourself. Entering this profession without a teaching degree will not hold you back from being a great teacher.
Denise Hinds Cruz
Edgewater HS
Number of years in education: 22
Number of years in OCPS: 22
First school you taught at: Washington Shores Elementary
Alma Mater: Rochester Institute of Technology
How do you hope your students remember you as adults?
I hope my students remember me as a teacher who encouraged and supported their dreams.
What is the best thank-you gift you ever got from a student and why?
The best thank-you gifts I've received from my students are when they achieve their goals, and they thank me for being a part of their support system.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to allow my students space and time to embrace the process of independent learning.
Aidanelly Ortiz
Union Park ES
Number of years in education: 17
Number of years in OCPS: 6
First school you taught at: Cypress Park Elementary
Alma Mater: Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
How do you hope your students remember you?
I hope my students remember me as someone who will always be in their corner loving, cheering and believing in them.
What is the best thank-you gift you ever got from a student and why?
All my students' gifts are precious, but there was a letter from a student two years ago that made me love even more the privilege of teaching new generations. She really made me feel with her words how important it is to be present and intentional. To teach from the heart and always believe in their potential and abilities as a human being.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to keep believing, to breathe, and to trust my instincts of always treating my students with love and dignity, even during challenging situations. To never forget to be empathetic and to keep smiling through life. Everything has a reason to be.