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Recognizing and Celebrating Broward County Public Schools Outstanding Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals and School-Related/District Employees.

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. No one person has a greater impact on the education of a child than does the teacher who creates the learning environment where students flourish and grow. Through their contributions, we have made significant progress in student achievement. 

Nicole Brown
Deerfield Beach Middle School

Nicole Brown has achieved National Board Certification, an advanced teaching credential recognizing effective and accomplished teachers, twice in her 22-year teaching career. To increase student achievement, an effective teacher is estimated to have two to three times the impact of any other school factor. Brown is not only an effective teacher, but also an exceptional teacher.

As head of the Reading Department, she has had a direct impact on improving student achievement, and increasing proficiency and learning gains. Brown believes that “every student can learn and grow.” Her winning formula: “I set high expectations for learning, value students’ opinions, help to strengthen their weaknesses and celebrate their successes.”

Patricia Delmonte
Monarch High School

Patricia Delmonte expects her students to understand concepts through critical thinking and problem-solving. “My biggest strength is facilitating learning in students by allowing them to figure out concepts and procedures on their own,” she said. “Instead of showing them a technique or illustration, I push them to comprehend why, to work through the process by themselves and with each other, so that understanding will occur.”

Delmonte specializes in helping students ‘get math.’ In the classroom, she has a unique talent for conveying very difficult material in such a way that students can absorb the concepts and utilize their learning. One of her favorite quotes by Aristotle is displayed on the wall in her classroom. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”

Kimara Giddings
Community Schools South 

Kimara Giddings is a family literacy teacher who devotes her efforts, collaborative spirit and knowledge to teaching adults and their children. She is an innovative teacher committed to meeting the diverse needs of her adult students and their children. Her dedication to educating the whole family is commendable.

Giddings teaches parents who participate in the English for Speakers of Other Languages, Adult Basic Education and General Educational Development components of the Family Literacy Program. They receive instruction on how to support their children’s learning, and practice developmental and literacy skills. Advances made are evidenced in her preschoolers being prepared to enter kindergarten with a greater chance for academic success, than before they entered the program.

Adam Greenhut
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Adam Greenhut’s connection with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as a former student, provides him with a unique perspective as an educator in the community where he grew up and resides. “My classroom extends into the community. The composition of school and community opens doors of communication that allows teachers, students and parents to collaborate more effectively. Integrating this community into the education of students has been seamless,” said Greenhut.

“While we tend to focus more on formal evaluations, I think it is important for a teacher to spend more time working on building trusting relationships with their students. If students have faith that teachers are working hard to prepare them, and are willing to help, the test results will follow. It is the informal measures that lead to the formal results,” said Greenhut.

Amanda Hicks
Hollywood Hills Elementary School

Amanda Hicks is a dedicated, resourceful and goal-driven educator. She sees in each student the power to change the world. As an educator for over 10 years, she understands that “hands on learning inspires our students and breeds their success both in the classroom and beyond.”

As a fourth grade social studies teacher, Hicks believes “social studies education encourages children to open their minds to the many different types of people and places on this planet. It helps students figure out their role in society, as well as their place in history.”

Hicks is a master teacher. She is an outstanding educator who consistently applies innovative teaching techniques as she creates a kind, loving and challenging environment for her students.

Dr. Rona Moore Olukolu
Pines Middle School

Dr. Rona Moore Olukolu takes pride in her role as a reading specialist. Her ability to write comprehensive lesson plans and effectively instruct students is evident in the increase of students’ performance and grades. Reading is the foundation for comprehension and spelling. She believes that “education continues to be a field of constant evolution and debate, with the pull of philosophical, cultural and political influences felt throughout the industry.”

Dr. Moore Olukolu exemplifies excellence in education, setting a high standard for herself and her students. Her students are always engaged and excited about her class. She connects with everyone to create a positive, efficient and welcoming environment. It is because of her expertise, dedication, and the extra time above and beyond her regular hours that make her a gift to her school and community.