TALLAHASSEE, FL — Nov. 15, 2024 — The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is proud to announce the finalists for the inaugural Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award, recognizing the exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact of educators in Florida’s charter schools. This prestigious award highlights the outstanding contributions of teachers who go above and beyond to inspire their students, enhance educational experiences, and contribute to the growth of their school community. The winner will be announced at a reception on November 20, 2024, during the Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit (Nov 19-21, 2024) in Orlando, Florida. The Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year reception is sponsored by Building Hope, ESS Learning, Academica, and Technology Lab.
The finalists for the 2025 Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award are:
- Jason Brewner, Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School, Polk County
Jason Brewner, a dedicated educator at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary, has made a significant impact on his students’ academic growth, particularly in math, science, and social studies. As the Math Resource Teacher, Jason works closely with students who need additional support, ensuring that every child has the tools and confidence to succeed. His unique ability to teach multiple subjects while providing individualized instruction has earned him recognition as a model educator within his school community.
- Lavern Mason, SLAM Boca Raton Charter School, Palm Beach County
Lavern Mason, a dynamic middle school math educator at SLAM Boca Raton Charter School, has been recognized for her leadership in the classroom and within the school’s broader academic structure. As the Math Department Chair and a key member of the school’s STEAM Team, Lavern’s innovative approach to teaching encourages a love of learning, particularly in mathematics. Her efforts to integrate hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving into her lessons have had a lasting impact on her students and the school’s academic success.
- Shereen Reid, Somerset Preparatory Academy of North Lauderdale, Broward County
Shereen Reid, a 4th grade teacher and Team Leader at Somerset Preparatory Academy of North Lauderdale, is known for her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Her student-centered approach focuses on nurturing academic, social, and emotional growth. Shereen’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, where she actively mentors colleagues and supports her school’s mission to provide an exceptional education to every student.
“The Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award is an important way for us — in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education — to acknowledge the hard work and passion of our educators who continually go above and beyond for their students,” said FCSA Lynn Norman-Teck, FCSA Executive Director. “Jason, Lavern, and Shereen exemplify the qualities that make charter schools a unique and innovative force in Florida’s education landscape. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the profound impact they have on their students and school communities.”
The finalists were selected from more than 30 nominations. The selection committee used past student performance data and recommendation letters from their school leaders to select the finalists. The Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers who have demonstrated excellence in education, leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to student achievement. The winner will serve as an ambassador for the Florida charter school movement during the 2024-2025 school year.
About the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA):
The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA), advocates for, defends, and collaborates with public charter schools to influence legislative policy and environments. The voice of the charter school movement, FCSA is the only statewide non-profit, member-driven association representing charter schools throughout the state and the more than 397,000 students they serve. FCSA member schools run the gamut of choice educational programs – from urban to rural campuses, programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.
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Media Contact: Lynn Norman-Teck, lynn@flcharteralliance.org, (305) 216-6208