- April 25, 2024
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The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce recognized nine local teachers for excellence.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce's Teachers of the Quarter were recently announced. One teacher from each school is selected each quarter and awarded by a Volusia County School Board representative, the Ormond Beach mayor and three reps from the chamber.
“It is such a joy to see the children’s eyes light up when their teacher is awarded by these outside officials,” said Bobbi Coleman, program head, in a press release. “You can really tell that they understand that their teacher is being recognized for going above and beyond.”
Some of the winning teachers, according to chamber documents, are as follows:
Nancy Keck
School: Osceola Elementary
Subject: Media Specialist
Keck has been making good use of the school's STEM grant. Osceola Elementary received a lot of Apple equipment that Keck uses to teach students how to create content.
"They might make a video in iMovie on what they've learned," Keck said. "That's our main thrust in using the technology. I love the freedom we have in the media center."
Keck said it's easy for the older kids to get the hang of more complex apps. For the younger kids, she takes them on scavenger hunts where they learn how to use digital camera tools. In the future, Keck hopes to include electronic books in her lesson plan. Though her creative ways of teaching new technology to children has been recognized by her peers, Keck said the award was unexpected.
"It's really cool," Keck said. "It's nice to know you're appreciated."
Nita Manis
School: Hinson Middle
Subject: Seventh Grade Gifted/Advanced Science
Manis gets her students' attention by getting their hands dirty.
She caught her school's attention last year with a STEM project that fixed an overgrowth of algae in one of the school's ponds. They even worked with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University engineers to design a comprehensive system to fix the ponds.
"I do a lot of groups and hands-on, a lot of labs," said Manis. "I think the kids need a lot of application practice of the notes."
Stephanie Glaenzer
School: Pathways Elementary
Subject: Kindergarten
Glaenzer has worn many hats during her career as an educator, including that of a special-education teacher.
"I can identify what the kids' weakness are," Glaenzer said. "I have a lot more ways and strategies to teach the students to their different learning styles."
Today, Glaenzer said students come to her classroom from a variety of backgrounds, and it's good to be able to reach every student.
"(The chamber) really goes out its their way to make you feel special," she said.
Narayana Hines
School: Ormond Beach Middle
Subject: Social Studies sixth and seventh grade
In her 16th year of teaching, Hines said she loves being able to teach students about the country's past, making them better equipped for the future,
"It makes me feel good that my administrators appreciate my hard work, hours of planning and preparation and the great results," Hines said.
Hines said she hopes to work harder in the future to give students a better understanding of life and the way the world works, possibly through hands-on projects.
Julie Wilson
School: Seabreeze High School
Subject: American Sign Language / AP Psychology
Julie’s classroom is a happy classroom. Not only does she strive to bring enthusiasm and a personal touch to the standard curriculum, but Wilson also spends a lot of time with extra curricular activities.
“The school has been really excited this year because I started a thrift shop,” Wilson said. “It’s called The Perfect Fit and we offer free clothes for any students who need anything. Everyone is benefitting and everyone is donating so there’s no stigma that you need to be low income. It’s just free.”
Lisa Gilbert
Pine Trail Elementary
Kindergarten
Gilbert credits her educational successes not only to her ability to adapt but the wonderful school she works for.
"Getting an award was completely an honor and I'm so grateful for it but the teachers in our school are all phenomenal," Gilbert said. "For me to differentiate my style from the others we are all a little different in what we do."
Gilbert said it's important for her to treat each child as an individual and to change how you teach something to fit their needs. The biggest challenge is the lack of time in one school day.
"We are so used to giving praise to our children," Gilbert said. "It's a neat thing to be able to give back to the teachers."
Other top teachers
The following teachers were also awarded teacher of the quarter but could not be reached for comment:
Ruth Bethea, of Ormond Beach Elementary
Cynthia Beebe, of PACE Center for Girls
Chantelle Losey, of Tomoka Elementary
