Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year - 2020

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Each year, the awards program honors approximately 240 outstanding employees from across the district.  Along with 12 finalists, the winners receive cash awards and other prizes from event sponsors.

Judges include community members from local organizations and businesses, as well as past winners and finalists. Judges review the applications without knowledge of applicant names or schools. Judging criteria includes leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement, and teaching style.

Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a Florida Teacher of the Year, choosing an educator who has “demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.” The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for contributions to their schools and communities. Both of Polk's winners move on to compete for the state titles.

Thank you to our 2020 event sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors:
Ledger Media Group
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Regal Automotive

Gold Sponsors:
ARAMARK
Boswell & Dunlap LLP
Florida Blue
Legoland Florida Resort
Mosaic
Publix Super Markets Charities
TECO

Silver Sponsors
AMSCOT Financial
Ben Hill Griffin, Inc.
BENCOR
CEMEX
Citizen's Bank and Trust
Duke Energy
Employer Payroll Solutions
Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Florida Southern College
Horace Mann Insurance
Huntington Learning Center
Lakeland Magic
Polk Education Association
Polk State College
Southeastern University

Additional Thanks:
Harrison School for the Arts
InnerAct Alliance
Little Caesars, Lakeland
Men’s Wearhouse, North Lakeland
PCPS Department of Equity and Diversity Management
PCPS Department of Fine Arts
PCPS Transition Program
Theatre Winter Haven
Traviss Technical College Cosmetology Program
Winter Haven Senior High Fashion Academy, Studio 21
Bob Woods

Employee