National Finalist

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National Finalist - On January 12th, 2011, I was named as one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Recognition.

Below are video clips from the press conference held at my school, Osceola Magnet School in  Vero Beach, Florida.  I was lucky enough to be allowed to share my news with all of the fifth graders at Osceola.

I am so very GRATEFUL for all of the letters, emails and phone calls of support!  Thank you!  I can never express how thankful I am for all of the anecdotes and kind words of support.  Please watch the videos below and then read some of the encouraging notes that I have received from across this wonderful nation!

                     

     Video Segment 1                         Video Segment 2                         Video Segment 3                         Video Segment 4



Congrats Cheryl!
I have been following your progress to becoming teacher of the nation!!  I knew on the first day of volunteering for Winners Walk Tall that you were unlike any teacher I have ever seen.  The way your students were engaged and excited about school permeated the air.  God has given you a geat gift and to have won the school district, state and hopefully national teacher of the year validates that you are using your gift!
 
I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen your class in action.  Knowing a few children who had you confirmed my belief that you are a new breed of teacher and your acknowledgement is well deserving!  Good luck to you in Washington and know that we are pulling for you out here in Kansas!!
 
Grace and Peace!
David Rivers
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Hi Cheryl~
Congratulations on the tremendous honor of being selected as a finalist as the National Teacher of the Year! My name is Kelli Bradley and I teach math at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware and was our district's teacher of the year in 2005.   As a district teacher of the year, I got a tiny glimpse of the Vero Beach and we follow a lot of the educational issues going on in Indian River and Florida.  We hope 24!  So it's quite exciting to hear that one of our "hometown" teachers is up for this exciting award!  Your ole Delaware!
Enjoy the journey............Kelli Bradley
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Hi Cheryl,

Just a note to say CONGRATULATIONS, again, on National Teacher of the Year.  That is so awesome, and being a person that toured all but two of our schools last year, I am not surprised!! You are a jewel in the crown of IRC .  Our students and our community are so blessed to have you here! 

Blessings,
Kimberly Keithahn
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Hi Cheryl,

            I am SO thrilled for you!  As a fellow teacher, it is a complete honor to be represented by you in the district, the state and the nation. I have so enjoyed being able to participate in many of your celebrations and announcements!  I loved the student’s question today at Osceola asking if there is a “Teacher of the World”.  Too bad there isn’t, because I am completely confident you could fill those shoes, too!

 

Marsha Van Arman 
School District of Indian River County 

Staff Development Specialist 
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Go Cheryl and Go Florida!  Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!
Kelly Burnette
2011 Nassau County Teacher of the Year
2011 Florida Teacher of the Year Finalist
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Cheryl: Congratulations on your selection as a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award.

Teachers are Angels on Earth. Thank you for all you do for our children.

 

Bob Martinez

Florida State Board of Education, Member

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Just read that you have been named a Finalist for the National Teacher of the Year.  I couldn't be prouder!  Reading your blog brought back so many memories.  This is a year you will NEVER forget.  Enjoy every moment!


dayle timmons

2004 Florida Teacher of the Year


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Cheryl-

What a beautiful message of hope and inspiration for teachers and students!  Go get 'em, Cheryl!  You're the best!

Jean Lamar
2009 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year
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 Cheryl,

Oh this is TERRIFIC news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have your sweet thank you note and picture on my desk and pray for your journey daily as you represent “us” in the greatest profession-teaching!
Best of luck and I will see you in July at the T.O.Y. event!

BELIEVE,
Debbie Bowe

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Congratulations for a GREAT accomplishment!!  We have been away from Osceola for a couple of years, but the impact you had on my girls will last a lifetime.  Good luck on your nomination.  I cannot think of anyone better to receive such an honor!!
 
The McClain Family
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Cheryl,
 
I am SO excited for you---when Bonita’s email came in at work today announcing you as a finalist I yelped out loud and caused my cubicle mate to jump! You are so deserving of this incredible honor and I wish you all the best. You must be over the moon!
 
And I get to actually congratulate you in person since I’ll be presenting at the FFEA conference in Orlando in a couple of weeks, and I saw you on the presenter list as well. I look forward to seeing you and hearing about your adventures so far. Geez I’ll probably have to stand in a long line of fans to get to talk to you!
 
And thank you again for inspiring our teachers at the conference here last October. You were the absolute highlight.
 
See you soon,
Jeff Fessler
2011 Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year
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I’m a true fan, Cheryl!  Thanks for representing effective education.

 

Cheryl Lonon, Coordinator

Educator Preparation Institute

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I am so proud of you. You deserve all the awards and recognition you are getting. I am looking forward to my trip to Washington. Can you call the President and let him know the Lincoln bedroom will be fine with me? If you win do you get one of those REALLY big checks? I am really excited for you and all the great opportunities that are coming your way. You are a wonderful example of everything we want our teachers to believe in, and put into practice in the classroom. I am rooting for you always. We love you.

 

Keith - Texas


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Kelly Seay

Teacher Liaison

Florida Department of Education

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Cheryl,

 

I got your e-mail and read the paper —wow!  This is quite an adventure you are on and we are so thrilled for you J   Dr. Mindy and I wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to see you sitting next to Matt Lauer on the Today Show!!! 

 

Way to go,

 

Andy Hall

Business Manager

Seaside Smiles, PLLC

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It was all I could do to contain myself when I heard the news about your being in the top 4 nationally!   So proud of you!!!  I’ll keep you in my prayers!

 

Becky Anderson

Teacher Liberty Magnet


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Cheryl my dear – I can only say how PROUD of am of you and the work you have done this year and it is hardly even over.  Words cannot express how happy I am for you and I will be eternally thankful that I have known you as a friend and colleague.  I know you are on your way to the top.  I will be thinking and praying for you knowing that you have something wonderful and lasting to share with and about our “world of the classroom”.  You have made my day and after any kind of a challenging day today this is so inspirational and  hearing this news gives me such joy.  I can only think of what you can accomplish being the NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR.  YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!  

 

Susan Stewart

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Highlands Elementary

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