HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) — Broward County Public Schools is preparing to celebrate its top teachers.
Six dedicated educators with a passion for knowledge are in the running for the district’s next Teacher of the Year, and Friday night, one of them will be awarded the top prize.
Racquel House is a first grade teacher at Hollywood Park Elementary School. She believes in using multiple approaches with her students in the classroom, like art, and teaching reading through science and social studies.
"In first grade, they learn to read. That is, you see the huge light bulbs turn on," said House. "This is the foundation at first grade. You have to teach them that because it builds the entire rest of their career."
Laurie Kraus is a literacy coach at Hollywood Hills Elementary School. As part of her job, she helps other teachers implement special programs that will encourage students to read both in and outside the classroom.
"I truly believe in inspiring children," said Kraus, "and if you can tell them that you believe in them, those few words, ‘I believe in you’, truly makes a difference."
James Nance is the head of the science department at Ramblewood Middle School. He’s a former businessman who found his passion in teaching engineering and robotics and believes in connecting with students through hands-on projects.
"One of the perspectives that I bring to teaching is I really remember what it’s like to be a student," said Nance, "and I try to construct my classes to be the type of environment that I would like to be in as a 13 or 14-year-old student."
Lara Ruddy is a science coach and teacher at McNicol Middle School in Hollywood. Her philosophy is simple, "know your subject and love your students."
Ruddy also strongly believes in bringing the community to the classroom. "This is the only school I’ve worked at, and it’s so tight," she said, "and I think that just because of the community, and the students, and how needy they are, that we have to as teachers pull together and be united."
Kyle Jeter has been teaching astronomy at an honors level for 17 years. In his classroom, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Pompano Beach learn to solve complex engineering problems through the use of technology.
"What I’m trying to do is get them involved in a way that, in terms of something that they’re already interested in," said Jeter, "maybe a talent that they have. We have a lot of specialty projects for each chapter, and I think that helps motivate them, that they can approach astronomy from a lot of different angles."
Last but not least, there’s Donna Yard, who teaches both biology and leadership classes at West Broward High School. As part of her curriculum, she helps students develop problem solving, decision-making and communication skills.
"Teaching is all about affecting the future," said Yard, "and it’s helping them find their passion, helping them figure out what they wanna solve when they get to be older."
The district winner will be announced at a special ceremony, Friday, at 6 p.m. 7News’ Omar Lewis will be emceeing the event.