Beginning with science teacher David Buncher in 1998, each succeeding “Teacher of the Year” nominee has been a region finalist and three have been region winners. This year’s nominees were: Gary Feilich, Michelle Russell, Caron Schiffman, Ruth Smith and Mary Kate Sullivan. Sullivan won the title.

A committee chose the five nominees based on instructional practices, school leadership and community service.

“I think one of the reasons I’m recognized is because my jobs are very visible, more than other teachers,” Sullivan said. “Even though others work just as hard, it’s easier to see me putting in the hours.” Sullivan is the newspaper and yearbook advisor, the Quill and Scroll sponsor and the FSPA (Florida Scholastic Press Association) director for Miami-Dade County.

All the nominees commit themselves to extra activities besides teaching. Schiffman is a physical education coach as well as the department head, the boys and girls volleyball coach and the Class of 2007 sponsor.

Russell did not pursue Teacher of the Year due to a previously planned trip which did not allow her sufficient time to complete the nomination packet. She teaches anatomy and physiology, is the Key Club sponsor, the Crosstalk Bible Club sponsor and the Class of 2009 sponsor. “I’m still honored and I appreciate the fact that the nominating committee has confidence in me,” she said.

Feilich was also grateful for his nomination, “There are so many excellent teachers on this staff; there are dozens who could have just as easily been selected for all of their contributions to the school.” Feilich teaches biology, AP Biology, and chemistry, is the Jewish Culture Club sponsor and will be organizing this year’s Biology Olympiad.

Also nominated was Smith, the gifted department chairperson, who meets with parents and works on their children’s educational plans.

Faculty members voted on the nominees. To win, a nominee must receive 50 percent plus one vote. If there is no clear winner then the teachers with the majority of votes have a runoff election.

Sullivan, the winner, will be addressed by a committee deciding if she moves on to the district level, and even regional, state and national competition.