This week, Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, along with representatives from Manatee Education Foundation (MEF), the District’s Leadership Team and sponsors from Suncoast Credit Union, surprised eight exceptionally talented finalists for the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
• Joseph Baker, Social Studies Teacher at Buffalo Creek Middle School
• Cory Bernaert, Kindergarten Teacher at Harvey Elementary School
• Christian Davis, STEM Teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary School
• Deelah Jackson, 4th Grade Teacher at Samoset Elementary School
SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
• Melissa Causey, Senior School Secretary at Lee Middle School
• Nora Jacoby, Guidance Secretary at Parrish Community High School
• Kari Keech-Babcock, Guidance Secretary at Lakewood Ranch High School
• Caryn Nussbaum, Paraprofessional at Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School
The finalists will be honored, and the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” will be announced at the Excellence in Education Awards to be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, beginning at 7 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main Campus.
The educator representative for Manatee County will advance to the Florida Teacher of the Year program, while the support representative will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year program.