Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday recognized outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education.
Two local teachers were among the seven teachers honored:
• Juan “Diego” Fuentes teaches sixth through twelfth graders at Hillcrest School, a school for special needs students in Ocala. An 18-year teaching veteran, he is the 2017 Hillcrest School Teacher of the Year, the 2017 Marion County District Teacher of the Year, and one of five statewide finalists for the 2018 Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year.
• Tammy Jerkins teaches mathematics to students in grades eighth through twelfth at Leesburg High School. During her 18-year career, she has taught Algebra I, Geometry, Informal Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Applied Math, Intensive Mathematics, Liberal Arts Mathematics I, Liberal Arts Mathematics II, Math for College Readiness and Pre-Calculus Honors. She is Lake County’s 2017 District Teacher of the Year and one of five statewide finalists for the 2018 Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year.
The educators honored are the 2017 District Teachers of the Year and 2018 State Teacher of the Year Finalists.
