Sugarloaf School Teacher Selected as Monroe County School District’s 2014 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Monroe County Teacher of the Year, Karen McKenzie, pictured above with Superintendent Porter and her students.
Ms. McKenzie utilizes differentiated instruction in her classroom, incorporates AVID strategies, utilizes a variety of venues for free reading to promote reading with her students and creates connections between language arts and other core subject areas. The enthusiasm she has for learning is shared beyond her classroom in establishing activities such as the Zombie Walk-a-Thon to earn money for class projects, providing extended learning opportunities in Marine Biology and helping to create a Rigorous Readers Program for 6th and 7th graders. Her leadership is evidenced by her work as a member of the school planning team, participation with the School Advisory Council and her active role in the school’s Positive Behavior Support System.
The most remarkable trait that Mrs. McKenzie possesses is her sincere and heartfelt commitment to her students and their learning. Karen has been on the faculty of Sugarloaf School since 2005. During her tenure at Sugarloaf, she has taught Marine Biology and has also taught 4th grade. Prior to coming to Monroe County, Mrs. McKenzie taught 7th grade Science and 12th grade Marine Biology in Dade County.
“Each year we have the opportunity to identify one outstanding representative as Teacher of the Year and each year I am incredibly impressed with the individuals selected. This year’s representative is another truly exemplary choice. Ms. Karen McKenzie is one of our most creative and passionate teachers who loves students and the teaching profession. Her enthusiasm is truly contagious! Congratulations Ms. McKenzie,” said Superintendent Mark Porter.
A “Teacher of the Year” exemplifies the best instruction in the District and the choice was a difficult one as all candidates excel in instruction, student engagement and community connections. We congratulate each Teacher of the Year from each of our schools.
2014 Monroe County School District Teachers of the Year by School
- Karen McKenzie – District Teacher of the Year, Sugarloaf School
- Melissa Byrne, Poinciana Elementary School
- Wiley “Rocky” Griste, Key Largo School
- Anne Murphy, Academic Connections for Excellence, (ACE)
- Dianne Wischmeier, Coral Shores High School
- Lindsay Poetz, Plantation Key School
- Stacey Couch, Stanley Switlik Elementary School
- Julia Mathews, Marathon High School
- Greg Kremer, Key West High School
- Ann Marie Dillon, Gerald Adams Elementary School
- Melissa Alsobrooks, Horace O’Bryant School