Iris Connery
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy

Iris Connery, a 28-year Broward County Public Schools veteran, believes that “if ethnic and social barriers are removed, every child is capable of learning and succeeding.”  She uses her love of history and Native American heritage stories to influence the next generation, instilling in students that education is still relevant in today’s world. “As adults, we have to acknowledge the next generation is more sophisticated at a younger age,” says Ms. Connery. “The technology they hold in their hands is powerful and should be used to shape their future.”

Sue DePasquale
Food and Nutrition Services Department

For nearly 35 years, Sue DePasquale has encouraged students to learn something new every day. Ms. DePasquale believes that equal opportunity is key to educating the next generation. Additionally, through her career growth from a general cafeteria worker to an assistant coordinator, she realizes that every student wants the same thing - positive acknowledgment. Her influence on the students she encounters daily is evident. “I believe in their potential to be great, regardless of their physical, mental, financial or parental circumstance,” states Ms. DePasquale. An avid Miami Dolphins fan, Ms. DePasquale is holding on to the hope that they will be great again.

Paul Fletcher
Stirling Elementary School

Paul Fletcher is very passionate about his role at Broward County Public Schools. Once appointed as the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher’s assistant, he enrolled in online classes and read books to familiarize himself with the unique developmental abilities, challenges and opportunities of his students. As an advocate for ESE students, he speaks on their behalf at community and school advisory board meetings. Like his father, famous African-American leader and activist, Arthur Fletcher, who coined the statement, ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste,’ Mr. Fletcher plans to complete his career by continuing to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves.

Brittany Poitier
Broadview Elementary School

“The next generation are the future leaders of our nation,” says Brittany Poitier, who believes that supporting and showing love to her students prepares them for leadership roles. She focuses on the whole student and addresses the root of any issue, which may include hunger, homelessness and social need. “Students cannot function if he or she is hungry or homeless. Once we assist in getting the student’s social and environmental needs met, the student will blossom in a way never seen before. A spokesperson for autism awareness and a race car driver, Ms. Poitier is fully equipped to drive her students to achieve their goals.

Rachel Robuste
Liberty Elementary School

Rachel Robuste counts on her words and actions to ignite the potential of her students.  Each day, she greets students individually and uses this opportunity to infuse value and self-esteem in them. This, she says, makes them feel accepted and confident. “Children have a natural desire to be accepted, so when that need is met, it becomes easier for them to be successful in school,” says Ms. Robuste. “A confident student is able to strive for excellence. In addition to academics, students today need increased opportunities to develop skills of empathy, tolerance and respect.”