The Surprise Patrol, comprised of representatives from Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Public Schools and various sponsors, visited several schools throughout the county this week with clappers at the ready as they revealed and celebrated the outstanding educators and district staff selected as finalists for this year’s Teacher of the Year, Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year and Instructional Support Employee of the Year.
When the Surprise Patrol visited Robinson Elementary to inform paraprofessional Bridget Wells that she is one of four finalists for Instructional Support Employee of the Year, instead of the usual clappers, the congratulatory celebration was more subdued.
That’s because Wells is an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) paraprofessional whose students may have sensory processing challenges.
That didn’t make the celebration any less meaningful. Wells was overwhelmed, and a little teary-eyed, by the news. “It’s a very big honor,” she said. “This is my eleventh year teaching, and it’s been a rough year.”
Last year’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year Chinovia Sheerick, who was a paraprofessional at Memorial Middle School until she became an ESE teacher this year, offered words of encouragement for Wells. “Being an ESE para is one of the hardest jobs, I’ve been an ESE para for 17 years but it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll do in your life,” she said. “These kids depend on you and they appreciate every day that you show up, you come and give them the very best of yourself and for that I’m saying thank you because I know what it’s like.”
ESE teachers and paraprofessionals in Florida utilize access points, guidelines for students with significant cognitive disabilities to learn core academics, such as Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health and Physical Education, with reduced levels of complexity. “Access Points is probably one of the hardest programs to work in and the fact that you’ve done an excellent job, a phenomenal job and your school recognizes it, thank you,” said Sheerick. “Enjoy the ride, you’re well deserving of it.”
Wells works alongside ESE teacher Tanya Lee, who is happy Wells is getting recognized for her hard work and dedication. “She works with kids when we have small group rotations, she collects data for me, she deals with behavioral issues, the classroom is busy all day and she does a lot of work,” she said.
Robinson Elementary Principal Timothy Delgado was happy to hear one of the school employees had been selected as a finalist.“She’s an amazing individual who works tirelessly to make sure our students are supported well, especially working with our most fragile populations and she really has a heart for the children,” he said. “This award couldn’t go to a better individual and we’re very excited to see her as a district finalist.”
The other 2024 Instructional Support Educator of the Year finalists include: Community School Officer Bille Jo Nelson (Collins PK-8), Head Custodian Joshua Fuentes (Sumner High School) and Secretary Maria Ortiz (Temple Terrace Elementary).
The Instructional Support Employee of the Year, along with Teacher of the Year and Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, will be announced at the 2024 Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on Wed., Feb. 1 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information, visit educationfoundation.com/eie2024/.