By Fallan Patterson

Staff writer

Stephanie Middleton, the World history and advanced placement human geography teacher at the Professional and Technical High School (PATHS), Friday was named as the 2014 Osceola County School District Teacher of the Year.

The annual event was at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee.

Middleton was recognized for her energetic learning environment she creates daily for her students, her passion for technology integration in the classroom and her ongoing thirst for professional growth, a statement from the School District stated.

Middleton daily inspires ninth through twelfth grade students to actively engage in learning and strive higher than they ever thought possible, according to a School District press release. She has distinguished herself as one of Osceola’s most dependable and dedicated teachers, having both a wonderful command of all facets of the curriculum and the gift to know how to present them successfully to her students.

“When learning is made to be fun, engaging and done utilizing methods such as games and technology that attract students, it encourages them, draws them into studying and reviewing, and creates learning experiences in a variety of places which then translates into test scores,” Middleton said.  “Looking at the learning gains made by my students over the year, I am encouraged to continue to find ways to keep learning fresh.”

As students today are “digital natives,” Middleton has excelled at integrating the latest technology into her classroom, including having students use their own mobile devices, district officials said.

Her instructional methods have translated into higher test scores for students.  

In the last two years of teaching AP human geography, the average passing rates for her students on the AP exam were higher than the national average.  She attributed her students’ success and learning to teaching the standards in fresh, innovative ways that provide deep and meaningful connections.

Middleton continues to be an instructional leader both at her school and across the district by giving numerous workshops for fellow educators on technology integration in the classroom. As a result, the School District has seen an increase in the number of teachers using a variety of technologies.  

Middleton teaches a weekly class on her campus to help teachers create a course in their respective content areas, and has presented her knowledge of instructional technology at both state and national conferences.

Additionally, Middleton helps her students look well beyond their immediate surroundings to become aware of national and international issues.  

Her World History classes raise money for the Bead for Life organization that creates sustainable opportunities for women to lift their families out of extreme poverty.  Her Glocal Club members meet regularly to research world problems and see viable solutions as a way to “be the change” in the world.

“Stephanie is a highly-motivated instructor, and she is an important reason for the success of our school,” said Pete Hodges, Principal of PATHS.  “Her tireless efforts have produced success with all of her students, and she continues to work with them to ensure that they reach their academic potential.  She excels at bringing a variety of experiences to help generate student interest and relevance to her instruction.”

Middleton now will represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education/Macy’s 2014 Teacher of the Year judging.

Employee of the year

As the Title I Computer Lab manager for Kissimmee Elementary, Alice Fitzpatrick works tirelessly to create an environment that benefits both children and the community.   

Her hard work and dedication, along with the outstanding support she gives to teachers and students, have earned her the prestigious title of the Osceola County School District’s 2013 “School-Related Employee of the Year,” the press release stated.

She was announced as the winner Friday during the awards ceremony at Gaylord Palms.

Fitzpatrick’s day starts before the bell rings when she arrives early to school each morning to open the Title Lab for students.  This extra time allows them to work on their fluency and comprehension skills.  

During the day, she motivates students to achieve their full potential by using FCAT Explorer, Accelerated Reader and Sumdog Challenge for math facts acquisition.  She also sets up and arranges the after-school tutoring program at Kissimmee Elementary.  Her role is vital to the learning environment that exists at Kissimmee Elementary.  

Outside of the classroom, Fitzpatrick performed  numerous tasks not in her job description.  

She oversees the Safety Patrol, where she makes sure to select both exemplary students as well as ones who are having a hard time at home or at school.  She uses the program as a way to provide positive reinforcement and a pathway to understanding the importance of civic responsibility.

Another example of Fitzpatrick going above and beyond is her dedication to the school’s yearly Thanksgiving feast.  

Many families in the school’s community are in transition or do not have the means to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

From spearheading all aspects of the event to donating much of her own time and money, Fitzpatrick’s actions make Kissimmee Elementary more than just a building where students learn Monday through Friday, the press release stated.  She ensures that it truly is a place that caters to the needs of its community and serves everyone.

“Ms. Fitzpatrick is an exemplary employee who goes above and beyond her duties each and every day to make sure that our school is a safe and happy learning environment for each child,” said Diane River, Principal of Kissimmee Elementary.  

Superintendent Melba Luciano now will forward her nomination on to the Florida Department of Education for consideration for the State’s “2013 School-Related Employee of the Year” Award.