Callahan teacher finalist for Teacher of the Year award

Callahan teacher finalist for Teacher of the Year award

Jean Lamar, a language arts teacher at Callahan Middle School, is one of five finalists for the 2009 Macy’s Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year award. Lamar has taught in Nassau County for 18 years, first at Yulee Middle School and then at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School.

Five finalists are selected from Florida’s school districts, none of whom are made aware that they have been selected. One morning in late April or early May, a fleet of satellite trucks, the Florida Education Commissioner, and dozens of other local and state officials converge on their school to deliver the news.

Lamar was surprised Thursday when she received a visit from Florida Department of Education Commissioner Eric Smith. He was presented with a $5,000 check from Macy’s and a $500 gift card. Callahan Middle School received a check for $1,000.

The Florida Department of Education-Macy’s Teacher of the Year Program celebrates the contributions of classroom teachers who demonstrate a superior capacity to inspire and improve the learning of students of all backgrounds and abilities. Since its inception in 1988, the program continues to be a prestigious honor drawing participation from Florida’s 72 public school districts and other institutions. In partnership with the Department of Education, Macy’s sponsors the Florida Department of Education-Macy’s Teacher of the Year Program.

The Florida Teacher of the Year will be announced July 10 at Hard Rock Live! at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando.