In a blended broadcast on Saturday, February 5th, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) and the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County announced this year’s line-up of educational superstars. John Renschler took top honors as St. Lucie Public School’s Teacher of the Year. He is a first-grade teacher at Samuel S. Gaines Academy. Joining him in the winner’s category were School Related Employee of the Year, Alicia Gomez, a School Registrar at Manatee Academy K8; Distinguished Minority Educatory of the Year, Tamika Adams, an Interventionist at Lawnwood Elementary School; and Outstanding First Year Teacher Yiranny Guzman Ramirez, a Technology/Computer Science Teacher at Samuel S. Gaines Academy.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “All of the nominees exemplify excellence in teaching and superior support in providing a positive teaching and learning environment in St. Lucie Public Schools. They represent what is best about SLPS and why we continue to see consistent gains across the board in student achievement and success.”
Education Foundation President, Thom Jones, considers Night of the Stars a highlight each year. “Honoring our teachers and support staff for the work they do each day for our students is central to the Education Foundation’s mission which is to recognize excellence in education and support teacher development.”
Event Coordinator, Dr. Kevin G. Perry said, “The distinguished honorees at this annual event not only embody the mission of the District but go beyond and surpass expectations.”
St. Lucie Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School Related Employee of the Year will now move on to the state-level competition. In the category of Teacher of the Year, the State has a long-standing tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in the students of all backgrounds and abilities.
About the Winners
Teacher of the Year | John Renschler
John Renschler is a first-grade teacher at Samuel S. Gaines Academy with nearly 7 years of teaching experience. Mr. Renschler’s gift is having the ability to take his students’ minds off learning frustrations and shifting them to have fun by constantly applying real-world scenarios to his instruction. As the Grade Chair for first-grade, he leads his team through collaborative planning, not only planning for their standard-based lessons, but implementing the seven habits of Leader in Me. His approach to teaching and leading is what sets him apart from his peers.
School Related Employee of the Year | Alicia Gomez, Manatee Academy K8
Alicia Gomez serves as the School Registrar at Manatee Academy K8. Ms. Gomez has a myriad of responsibilities and each one is completed with a smile and positive attitude. She is the first one to jump in and volunteer to help in any way she can.
Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year | Tamika Adams, Lawnwood Elementary
Tamika Adams is currently an Interventionist at Lawnwood Elementary School. She is a compassionate teacher leader who demonstrates great flexibility and exceptional communication skills. As an Interventionist, she collaborates with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to ensure that MTSS is completed with fidelity. She sets high standards for herself and her students and is constantly broadening her knowledge and improving her skills to help ensure that the students and her fellow teachers at Lawnwood are successful.
Outstanding First Year Teacher | Yiranny Guzman Ramirez, Samuel S. Gaines Academy
Yiranny Guzman Ramirez is a Technology and Computer Science Teacher at Samuel S. Gaines Academy. Ms. Guzman has earned the adoration and respect of everyone at the school. She is a ray of sunshine who brings positive energy and a can-do attitude to every team and task. Students enjoy learning coding and computer animation through the Amazon Future Engineers Grant that is being implemented in her class.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students with a graduation rate of 99% at the six traditional high schools. As a high-ranking B-rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS ranks among the top one-third of Florida’s districts for student achievement. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work since 2017. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to succeed. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
