ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Drum roll please…. Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) has named its Teacher of the Year.
It’s Metcalfe Elementary music teacher Dwynette Smith. Cue the cymbals.
Smith was announced the winner during a ceremony Thursday, Jan. 25.
“Music matters, and you matter!” ACPS says that’s the way Smith ends each of her classes and it’s the basis of her philosophy as a music teacher.
“I love teaching music, and I want to instill that love of music in my students,” said Smith in a release from the district. “I try to make sure they know they can come to music class and be respected, treasured, and praised, all while learning new skills and being exposed to a varied and rich musical landscape.”
ACPS says Smith has been teaching music for more than twenty years and will go on to represent the district in the Florida Teacher of the Year program.
Thirty-nine teacher honorees selected from each of the district’s schools were recognized, including Smith, middle school finalist Sarah Rendek from High Springs Community School and high school finalist Jenifer Knowles from the Professional Academies Magnet @ Loften High School.
At the ceremony, ACPS says Smith shared that while she was in elementary school, her family went through tough times and school was her refuge. She credited her teachers who gave her the encouragement she needed to excel, and her music teacher who inspired her to teach music.
Courtesy: ACPS
“As I grew, I knew that I wanted to learn as much about music as I could,” Smith said. “But that all started in a classroom with a teacher who loved what she taught and showed it. That feeling of being cared for and encouraged is what I try to impart to my students in music class.”
Thirty-nine teacher honorees selected from each of the district’s schools were recognized, including Smith, middle school finalist Sarah Rendek from High Springs Community School and high school finalist Jenifer Knowles from the Professional Academies Magnet @ Loften High School.
Each of the teacher honorees received an award of $500 thanks to donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals.