View video of the 2022 Caliber Awards

Teacher of the Year
Seema Naik 
Eagle Ridge Elementary School
Seema Naik, a teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, started her career in education 10 years ago – first as a volunteer so she could be involved in her two daughters’ education. She then applied to become a cafeteria aide and teacher assistant before becoming a primary grades teacher.

“In my experience as a school leader, there are only a few teachers I would consider to be a pioneer. It is clear-cut in my mind that Mrs. Naik is a STEM pioneer in the education world,” said Eagle Ridge Elementary Principal Lindsey Sierra. “She has led Eagle Ridge in creating new STEM opportunities for our students.”  

View 2022 Caliber Awards Teacher of the Year Finalists

Principal of the Year  

Heilange Porcena
North Side Elementary School

Heilange Porcena has navigated the community of teachers, students and parents who feared the unpredictable with an exemplary visionary leadership. For the past six years. Ms. Porcena has built relationships with these stakeholders to ensure that quality of instruction and expectations of effort remained the focus at North Side Elementary School.

“I am honored and grateful that in this moment in time, I have the opportunity to make a difference in a community that is often overlooked. As I walk through the halls of North Side Elementary, I am humbly reminded that through education, my life was changed for the better. I stand on the shoulders of those went before me and will pay it forward and make an impact in the lives of the children at North Side Elementary,” says Ms. Porcena. ”

View 2022 Caliber Awards Principal of the Year Finalist

Derek Gordon
Western High School
Derek Gordon started his career as a visual art teacher in the Career Technical department at Western High School. An assistant principal for more than nine years, he has assisted teachers develop their curriculum to prepare students for exams.

“I have trusted Mr. Gordon with the most high-pressure aspects of managing a school environment and made him my second in command,” said Western High School Principal, Jimmy Arrojo. “He makes strong decisions in the best interest of the school, has the respect of the staff and works tirelessly to get the job done.”  

See the 2022 Caliber Awards Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

Kimberly Kummler
Manatee Bay Elementary School

Kimberly Kummler has provided health care and wellness to the students at Manatee Bay Elementary School for more than five years. In addition to assessing and evaluating the health and development status of students, Ms. Kummler also provides preventative services and health education to students and staff.

“Ms. Kummler is a strong advocate for students’ needs,” says Manatee Bay Elementary Principal Heather Hedman-DeVaughn. “When COVID-19 presented itself, Nurse Kim rose to a new level of support and was extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and visible.”  

See the 2022 Caliber Awards Employee of the Year Finalists