Key West The Newspaper

Coral Shores High School Teacher selected as
Monroe County School District’s
2015 Teacher of the Year

Mr. Wellington “Todd”Gideon, Science Teacher at Coral Shores High School was chosen as
Monroe County School District’s 2015 Teacher of the Year for his immeasurable contributions to
the lives of hundreds of students and families. A former student wrote “… Simply put, once upon a
time you (Mr. Gideon) took the effort to try to inspire a below average student, and it has made all the difference, for that I am eternally grateful.” Mr. Gideon inspired that student to successfully pursue and earn a Ph.D.
Mr. Gideon started his teaching career in 1993 as a Science and Mathematics teacher in
Jackson, Michigan. In 1995, he found his way to the Florida Keys and has been teaching at Coral
Shores, where he has become a highly skilled and respected professional member of the Coral
Shores team. During his tenure at Coral Shores, Mr. Gideon has taught Physical Science, Principles of Technology, CPO Physics, Earth Space Science and Earth Space Science Honors,
Physics Honors, Drafting, Mathematics and was also a Teacher for Peer Counselors. Mr. Gideon
is dedicated to his profession and feels investigative laboratory experiments are an important part
of science education. His experience has taught him that science becomes much more interesting
when students are engaged with the science and it is relevant to their lives. In addition to
teaching, Mr. Gideon’s commitment to students goes beyond the classroom. He has served as
coach of the Coral Shores High School football team and coach and stats keeper for the Upper
Keys Youth Baseball and Football leagues.
”Each year we have the opportunity to identify an outstanding educator as The District
Teacher of the Year and each year I am tremendously impressed with the individual selected. This
year’s selection for Teacher of the Year is another exemplary teacher – Mr. Todd Gideon. Mr.
Gideon engages his students and is a well-respected member of the Coral Shores High School
faculty.” stated Superintendent Mark Porter.
A “Teacher of the Year” exemplifies the best instruction in the District and the choice was a
difficult one as all candidates excel in instruction, student engagement and community
connections. We congratulate each Teacher of the Year selected from each of our schools.

We congratulate each Teacher of the Year selected from each of our schools.
2015 Monroe County School District Teachers of the Year by School
Todd Gideon, Coral Shores High School
Maggie Jones, Gerald Adams Elementary
Kaitlyn Leeman, Horace O’Bryant School
Wendi Sullivan, Key Largo School
John Moeller, Key West High School
Martha Paulson, Marathon High School
Dana Beal, Plantation Key School
Julie Curry, Poinciana Elementary School
Nancy Lundsford, Stanley Switlik Elementary School

Monroe County School District Announces
School-Related Employees of the Year

Monroe County School District Superintendent Mark Porter is pleased to announce that Ms.Kathleen Shriver has been chosen as the 2014-2015 School-Related Employee of the Year from a field of over thirty nominations. Ms. Shriver has been an employee of the Monroe County School District since September 2006 and has faithfully served as a School Bus Aide since that time. As a School Bus Aide, Ms. Shriver works in partnership with the School Bus Driver and assists with transporting students safely and comfortably to and from school. Ms. Shriver is recognized by her coworkers for her professionalism, initiative and her patient and caring demeanor. “Kathleen knows her students, can recognize when students are not having a good day, and often prevents problems from occurring. She also goes the extra mile, taking the
initiative to post all students pictures over their assigned seats. This not only makes the students fell special, but helps substitute drivers and aides manage the bus.” says Mr. Randy Fabal, Director of
Transportation.

In addition to the 2014-2015 District School Related Employee of the Year, Mr. Porter proudly announces the following 2014-2015 School Related Employee of the Year selections in the following five categories; Food Services Group, Maintenance Group, Office/Clerical Group, Teacher Support Group and the Transportation Group. School-related employees enhance the educational experience for the children whose lives they touch, and they are essential to the successful operation of a school or school district office.
The nominees were chosen for the significant contributions they have made in their schools and community, and to the school district as a whole. Criteria for the award includes exemplary job performance, dedication on the job, interpersonal skills, leadership ability, in-service/training to upgrade skills and contributions to the school and school district environment.
The 2013-2014 School Related Personnel for the
Food Service Group, Gloria Suarez, Cashier, Sugarloaf School
Maintenance Group, Jorge Hernandez, Maintenance Worker, Plantation Key School
Office/Clerical Group, Jocelyn Cabrera, Data Entry Clerk, Gerald Adams Elementary
Teacher Support Group, Jane Orr, Paraprofessional, Key Largo School
Transportation Group, Kathleen Shriver, Bus Aide, Middle Keys Transportation Department
These employees were selected by the School Related Employee of the Year committee which has an
equal representation of District staff and United Teachers of Monroe members. “I congratulate each of the
selected employees and am proud of their commitment and dedication to the students of Monroe County”
says Superintendent Mark Porter.