DCPS News
Teacher of the Year Finalist
Received Magical
Thank You from Macy's!
One of five finalists named to compete for distinguished
2011 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award
Sometimes a simple “thanks” is all that a teacher needs to feel valued. Today, an extraordinary teacher received a magical, unforgettable and well-deserved thank you for his commitment to his students. Zachary Champagne of Mandarin Oaks Elementary School in Duval County has been chosen as one of five finalists from a group of 72 teachers to compete for the 2011 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award. At 1:00 p. m., Florida Department of Education Commissioner, Dr. Eric J. Smith, along with a representative from Macy’s, made the big surprise announcement. The elementary school Math and Science Teacher was called by Principal Patricia Carson to the school’s Media Center and told that he has been chosen as one of five finalists for the prestigious honor.
Upon receiving the good news, Champagne was presented with a $5,000 check made possible by the Macy’s Foundation and a $500 Macy’s gift card. A $1,000 check, also funded by the Macy’s Foundation, was presented to the finalist’s school. This year, the Macy’s Foundation will contribute over $100,000 in cash to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, as it has done since 1988.
“Zachary Champagne’s love of teaching and dynamic style translate into big successes for his students. Zachary equips his students with the fundamentals and also empowers them with the confidence to meet life’s challenges,” stated Karin Darmanin, Macy’s Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Stores. “Macy’s wants to thank Mr. Champagne for demonstrating that the role of a teacher is to inspire as well as teach.”
“Each teacher of the year finalist brings with them an unwavering commitment to the success of their students,” said Commissioner Eric J. Smith. “They represent their colleagues in the education profession with honor and distinction and I am extremely grateful for their tireless work every day in classrooms throughout the state.”
Commissioner Smith and Darmanin will announce the winner of the 2011 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year award during a ceremony on Thursday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. The event, hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Deborah Norville, will be held at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk.
For the 22nd year, Macy’s will sponsor and produce the awards ceremony. During the event, the remaining 67 nominees from around the state will be recognized for their achievements and excellence in teaching. Each of the nominees will be presented with a $750 personal cash award and a $250 grant for their school, funded by the Macy’s Foundation.
In addition to the $10,000 grant funded by the Macy’s Foundation, the Teacher of the Year will receive awards from Macy’s including an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The winner will also serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for education, touring the state to spread the word about educational opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State. To date, Macy’s and the Macy’s Foundation have contributed over $2 million to teachers throughout the state.
This year’s five finalists were chosen from more than 180,000 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Each finalist is selected on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service. The winner must also show a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
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