Support Person of the Year Finalists
Jenny Morgan
Sally Ride ES
Number of years in education: 7
Number of years in OCPS: 7
Favorite school tradition:
Nobilo Foundation Target Shopping. This is an annual holiday shopping experience for all Sally Ride students and their siblings.
What is your why?
Having the opportunity and pleasure to work with many different students, parents, families, and organizations. Being able to connect and assist families with services and resources that they might not otherwise have known about.
What piece of work advice would you share with other school employees?
Families look to school staff and administration for help and guidance daily. It's our job to listen and evaluate their needs. Know that families want the best for their child/children no matter their background and culture. It's important for employees to invest and learn as much about their students and families as we can. Communicating is key to learning and sharing in their challenges and achievements.
Someone you know is considering working for a school. What would you tell them?
We are a school family that collaborates with one another to help our students, parents and families become academically and emotionally successful while building a strong community. We always work together for the best interest of all our students. Most of all, our staff members are incredibly supportive to each other and top notch!
Alex Rodriguez
Vista Pointe ES
Number of years in education: 6
Number of years in OCPS: 6
Favorite school tradition: Holiday Parade (Parranda)
What is your why?
I work with students coming from all over the world. Learning the English language is one of their biggest challenges. Making sure they receive the help they need in order to be successful in school is my goal. Seeing them achieve their academic goals gives me the feeling that I've done something important.
What piece of work advice would you share with other school employees?
There are always new ways to include all students, and having teachers ask me what I do to engage English Language Learners in lessons feels like a compliment. Students love learning, we just have to find ways to include them in the fun.
Someone with your talents could work anywhere. Why OCPS?
There's no place that compares to working in the schools. OCPS gives me the ability to learn and grow while helping others learn and grow. OCPS is where I shine.
Susan Scheuer
Freedom HS
Number of years in education: 19
Number of years in OCPS: 19
Favorite school tradition:
The annual Faculty Walk-In on the first day of pre-planning. Our band, cheerleaders and color guard line up and they welcome all faculty in as one work family.
What is your why?
When I teach students with disabilities and witness them succeed and reach their full potential, that gives me purpose. Also, feeling connected to the people I work with.
What piece of work advice would you share with other school employees?
My advice is to become involved in the school. Whether it is to be a mentor, go to athletic games or coach a sport, it gives you a sense of belonging.
Someone you know is considering working for a school. What would you tell them?
If a friend or family member was considering working for a school I would say that they would not regret their decision. Working in education has been so rewarding.
Corinne Soares
Timber Springs MS
Number of years in education: 6+
Number of years in OCPS: 6+
Favorite school tradition:
8th grade walkout. On the last day of school students and staff line the hallways cheering and clapping and our band has a drum line and leads the graduating class to do a final tour and say goodbye to middle school.
What is your why?
At the heart of it, someone’s child is going to make a difference in this world. Success is subjective and it’s our job as adults to help students accomplish whatever that looks like for them along the way. Seeing them feel that pride is everything to me.
What piece of work advice would you share with other school employees?
Remain flexible and empathetic. Everyone is trying to navigate life, especially students who are in the throes of figuring it out.
Someone you know is considering working for a school. What would you tell them?
Consistency is key and students thrive on that. Sometimes we are the only people showing up for them and although it may seem small to some, there is such a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the walls of the school.
Amy Ziev
ESE Supplemental Services
Number of years in education: 32
Number of years in OCPS: 17.5
What is your why? I am passionate about being a part of the equation of providing equity to Deaf individuals: students, parents, and staff!
What piece of work advice would you share with other school employees? No matter where you are or what you do, be the best at your current position that you can be. And look ahead towards any opportunities for growth and development.
Someone with your talents could work anywhere. Why OCPS?
I feel more supported and valued within OCPS than I have in any other district. Even though I was gone from OCPS for 8 years, I feel back at home and still have more friendships and connections than I have had previously.