For Jane Koszoru, teaching is "all in the family."
You see, she's a third generation teacher. Her grandmother
was a teacher, her mom was a teacher and her two sisters
are teachers, too. And there's a fourth generation on the
way - her daughter is an education major!
As far back as she can remember, teaching is the only thing
Ms. Koszoru has wanted to do. And for 30 years she has helped
both students and colleagues succeed by doing just that.
It's her dedication to students and the teaching profession
that has earned Jane Koszoru the title of Broward County
Teacher of the Year 2004.
Currently, Ms. Koszoru is a teacher at the College Academy
at Broward Community College, a new program that allows
high school students to earn their high school diploma at
the same time they earn their Associate's degree. And this
marks a milestone for Broward County - Ms. Koszoru is the
first teacher from the College Academy to be both nominated
for and named Broward's top teacher.
In her three decades as a teacher, Ms. Koszoru has learned
one valuable lesson - you've got to make education personal
for each student. "I am convinced that students take
ownership of their education when learning is personalized,"
said Ms. Koszoru, who teaches English 1101, American Lit
and Creative Writing. "I believe all children can learn
and I strive to create relevant lessons that will challenge
them, but not defeat them."
Before she arrived at the College Academy, Ms. Koszoru taught
for 24 years at Coral Springs High. Over the years, she
has "witnessed and lived" the incredible changes
that face today's English teachers, one of which is the
increasing numbers of students whose first language is not
English. To meet new challenges, Ms. Koszoru always strives
to keep things fresh, new and exciting in her classroom.
"I'm no magician, that's for sure," she said with
a laugh, "but I know...the enthusiasm, the magic in
my classroom is mine to create. I welcome the challenge
of engaging students in their own learning - and creating
that magic depends on remembering that the rabbit has to
keep popping out of a different hat."
But it isn't just the classroom where Ms. Koszoru has made
her mark. Over the years, she has worked on creating curriculum,
co-authored and won numerous grants and is the only member
from Florida on the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards Adolescent and Young Adulthood/English Language
Arts Standards Committee. Add to that the fact she is a
National Board Certified Teacher, and Ms. Koszoru packs
a pretty impressive resume.
But it's in front of students where Ms. Koszoru works her
magic. Just visit her classroom and you'll quickly agree
with her that it is a "study in organized chaos."
She believes strongly in showcasing her students' work and
her walls are proof of that --- they're plastered with colorful
plates, hats, banners and even a quilt that depicts modern
American authors.
Each and every day, Ms. Koszoru works her magic in a Broward
County classroom. And while today's classroom is a bit different
than the one she started out in 30 years ago, Ms. Koszoru
is up for the challenge. "Remember, I've got 30 years
of tricks up my sleeve," she said with a smile.
