Caliber Awards

As the first fully accredited School District in Florida, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) continues to be a leader in delivering excellence in education to every student, every school, every day. With more than 31,000 employees, BCPS is proud of those individuals who have dedicated themselves to ensuring the future success of our more than 247,000 students and 125,000 adult learners. The Caliber Awards program provides the opportunity for the District to recognize employees who have excelled as teachers, principals, assistant principals and school-related employees.

Click here to view photos from the 2026 Caliber Awards.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Dr. Saima Sanaullah
Plantation High School

Dr. Saima Sanaullah, a science teacher at Plantation High School, has grown into a respected leader while serving diverse school communities. She began with hands-on, inquiry-based instruction and now balances teaching with her role as Science Department Head, a position she has held for seven years.

Sanaullah emphasizes perseverance and resilience, helping students build confidence through challenges. Known for her creativity and passion, she fosters meaningful connections that inspire both students and colleagues.

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Cormic Priester
Rock Island Elementary School

Since starting her career in 1998, Cormic Priester has dedicated herself to the belief that education can transform lives and generations. She began as a fourth-grade teacher at Tradewinds Elementary School and now serves as Principal of Rock Island Elementary School, leading with purpose for nine years.

Priester believes education is the great equalizer, emphasizing equity, high expectations, and inclusive, joyful learning. She has strengthened school culture through many programs, helping Rock Island Elementary earn its first “A” rating in 16 years. Additionally, she created the Christopher Priester Educational Scholarship to support students in underserved communities. Her work demonstrates how purpose, love, and community can transform lives.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Anna Koltunova
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Anna Koltunova has served as Assistant Principal at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for five and a half years, bringing over 10 years of BCPS experience. She began as a math teacher at Charles W. Flanagan High School, where she discovered the power of creativity and high expectations to engage students.

Koltunova believes equitable access to meaningful learning empowers students to take ownership, build resilience, and develop skills they’ll use long after graduation. She emphasizes cultivating adaptive, curious, and collaborative lifelong learners while intentionally creating joyful moments on campus to boost engagement and achievement.

SCHOOL/DISTRICT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Vanderbilt Carpenter lll
Deerfield Beach High School

Vanderbilt Carpenter lll is a Security Specialist at Deerfield Beach High School and is in his seventh year with the District. He approaches his role with dedication, adaptability, and a strong belief in education as a foundation for the future, emphasizing engagement, connection, and real-world skills.

Creatively inclined, Carpenter excelled in honor-level art classes and continues to express himself through drawing, coloring, and painting, a passion that shapes his unique perspective on education.

Caliber Awards Highlight
Caliber Awards Archives