Teacher of the Year Finalist
Sandalwood High School
School Instructional Coach
9th grade American Government

Principal
Victoria N. Schultz

Education
B.S., Auburn University

Highlights
More than 20 years of teaching experience
Member, National Education Association
Member, Florida Education Association
Member, Duval Teachers United
Member, Parent Teacher Student Association

About Susan Tidwell
Susan Tidwell has taught for 16 years in Duval County at Sandalwood High School. She structures her teaching style around the three ‘R’s – rigor, relationships, and relevance – and utilizes the ‘Workshop Model’ which gives her students ownership of their learning experience. One of her main goals is improving student literacy and she uses mini-, focus-, and wrap-up lessons to incorporate reading into all subjects.

Ms. Tidwell is always looking for ways to involve parents, families and the community in the education of her students. She coordinates “Movie Night” at Sandalwood, inviting students and their families to watch movies in the school auditorium. She believes that students learn more, behave better and are more motivated for teachers who know their parents.

“Clearly education is not limited to the classroom; it takes place in our village, the community. An important part of my work is to make the most of all opportunities to help students learn how they can become successful, contributing members of the village.”
Susan Tidwell

“Susan’s primary objective always seems to be to provide complete and thorough learning opportunities for her students so learning is at its optimum. Her inner peace and strength manifest themselves through her outward expressions of kindness, compassion, integrity and most of all, a desire to do everything she can to ensure the best quality education for her students.”
Charles Crygier - Social Sciences Teacher, Sandalwood High School