Alyssa Smith PHOTO PROVIDED

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Tortuga Preserve Elementary ESE teacher Alyssa Smith has been named the School District of Lee County’s Teacher of the Year.

Smith was surprised with the commendation bright and early last Tuesday morning by Superintendent Dr. Gregory K. Adkins and members of the Lee County School Board.

Smith was extremely surprised and thanked first and foremost her students for the honor.

“This is so exciting and it’s because of you guys!” Smith said.

Upon awarding Smith, Adkins gave some background on the well-loved, Lehigh Acres teacher.

“Alyssa is in her sixth year of teaching here at Tortuga Preserve in Lehigh Acres. Her focus has always been on Exceptional Student Education and she is currently a special education teacher in a social functioning classroom,” Adkins said.

Adkins then read a quote from Smith.

“I grew up in a household with two sisters who have special needs with different needs on opposite end of the spectrum. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher with kids like my sisters. I believe that every student no matter their abilities deserves an opportunity both in school and in life.”

Other members of the school district were in attendance including Tortuga Principal Jennifer Shonak and Gwyn Gittens, who represents District 5 on the Lee County School Board, which encompasses Lehigh Acres.

Shonak said a few words of congratulations.

“I’m so excited for you. Alyssa teaches with passion and cares about her kids with all her heart and soul. I’m so excited for you, so well deserved,” Shonak said.

Gittens also took a few moments to thank Smith.

“I envy you because I’m not in the classroom anymore and I’m looking at the things you have done. And all the great things you have accomplished, I wish I could hug you right now. So I owe you a hug after next year,” Gittens said.

In a district release announcing the award, Shonak praised Smith’s efforts, saying she is a strong child advocate.

“Smith is the ESE Contact/Grade Level Chairperson at Tortuga Preserve this year. She developed a K-5 Social Functioning Blended Scope and Sequence to ensure all student levels are being met and the three social functioning teachers are on track. Her attention to each student’s individual academic needs has led to every student in her classroom meeting their learning goals. Smith’s use of Zones of Regulation increased student compliance from 40% per day to 80%. Students are able to take control of their emotions by being asked if they feel either Green (ready), Blue (sad), Yellow (worried) or Red (mad), asked why they feel that way, and then given the tools and strategies they need if they are not in the green zone. “Alyssa makes every effort to be a child advocate,” Shonak stated. “Her beliefs and commitment to her students go above and beyond. While working with her and observing her with her students, I have been continually impressed with her driving commitment to excellence…for herself and her students.”

Smith was one of three finalists, along with Miguel Teixeira, the Peer Collaborative Teacher of Social Science at Lehigh Acres Middle School, and Sara Wechter, a teacher at Edgewood Academy.

Teixeira is the Peer Collaborative Teacher of Social Science.

He has been a teacher in the District and at LAMS since 2011. Civics EOC scores have improved the last three years because of Teixeira’s leadership.

Wechter is in her seventh year with the District as a teacher and first at Edgewood Academy. She teaches fourth grade and is the teacher lead for her grade level. She was previously at Orangewood Elementary and is credited with the school’s improved scores in math and reading.

Teacher of the Year candidates are nominated each year by their school principals.

The Teacher of the Year wins a prize package valued at more than $3,000 and is nominated for Florida Teacher of the Year.

The Florida Department of Education will announce the statewide winner in the spring.