We’ve touched on this topic before, but it warrants revisiting. We can’t have enough forums that honor excellent teaching in Hillsborough County schools. Congratulations to Yolanda Whitehead Driskell, 41, who was just named county Teacher of the Year. The Hillsborough High math teacher was selected from five finalists.
But context matters. The runners-up represented three elementaries and a middle school.
It’s hard enough trying to select one of many eminently qualified teachers as the best of the best. Why add to the challenge by lumping all candidates together regardless of level?
Of course there are constants in teaching no matter the level: preparation, motivation, class control, creativity, utilization of relevant resources, etc. But being more or less subject oriented is a variable. Senior physics is not the same, for example, as an academic intervention specialist in elementary school. Of course not. And relating developmentally to students ranging from young children to tweens to young adults is a critical variable.
Why not allow for the variables and honor more Teachers Of The Year? We know they’re out there.