Orlando, FL – November 20, 2024 – The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is proud to announce that Shereen Reid, a 4th-grade teacher and Team Leader at Somerset Preparatory Academy of North Lauderdale in Broward County, has been named the winner of the inaugural Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact within Florida’s charter schools.
The award was presented to Ms. Reid by Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. at a special reception during the Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit in Orlando, Florida, on November 20, 2024. The award highlights teachers who go above and beyond to inspire their students, enhance educational experiences, and contribute to the growth of their school community. The tropical-themed celebration and $10,000 prize for the winner came to fruition thanks to the generous support of sponsors ESS Learning, Academica, Building Hope, and Technology Lab.
More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate charter school educators. Event guests included FCSA board members Jim Horne and Joe Chisholm; Adam Emerson, Director, FLDOE Office of School Choice; Vicki Pinera, Director, FLDOE Charter School Office; Susie Miller Carello, Executive Director, Florida Charter Institute; Carlos Alvarez, Florida Education Foundation board member and principal of the City of Hialeah Educational Academy/COHEA Career and Collegiate Academy; and Judith Marty, President, Doral College.
Shereen Reid has become known for her unwavering commitment to creating a positive, inclusive learning environment where all students thrive. As a 4th grade teacher and Team Leader, Reid’s student-centered approach prioritizes her students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Beyond her classroom, she is also a passionate mentor to her colleagues, actively supporting the school’s mission to deliver an exceptional education to every student. Ms. Reid was selected from over 30 nominations submitted to the FCSA. The finalists were chosen based on student performance data pulled by FLDOE. Her attention to detail and dedication to excellence set a standard of success that inspires both students and teachers alike, resulting in a passing rate on the mathematics standardized over the 60 percentile for the past several years — exceeding neighborhood schools and the district.
The FCSA launched this program in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education to honor teachers who shape the future—often in ways that go unnoticed. This recognition event is not just about acknowledging a job well done; it’s about honoring the dedication, passion, and hard work that teachers put in every day to push the boundaries of excellence, innovate, reach all learners, and continue to inspire the students they serve. Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director of the Florida Charter School Alliance, praised Reid and the other finalists for their exemplary work in the classroom. “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 Norman-Teck. “Shereen, along with the other finalists Jason Brewner, Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary (Lakes Wales Charter), and Lavern Mason, SLAM Boca, exemplify the qualities that make public 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 students and school communities.”
Reid was selected from over 30 nominations, with the finalists chosen based on past student performance data and glowing recommendation letters from their school leaders. The FCSA launched this program in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education to honor teachers who shape the future—often in ways that go unnoticed. This recognition event is not just about acknowledging a job well done; it’s about honoring the dedication, passion, and hard work that teachers put in every day to push the boundaries of excellence, innovate, reach all learners, and continue to inspire the students they serve.
The FCSA’s Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding teachers who have demonstrated excellence in education, leadership, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to student achievement. As the winner, Ms. Reid will be an ambassador for the Florida charter school movement throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
About the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA): Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on charter schools’ legislative policy and environments. The Alliance advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools, representing over 397,000 students. We have a well-established voice and unrivaled success advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice throughout Florida.
