NYC Teacher Librarian Staci Balice garners prestigious 2024 FLAG Award

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Elementary school Teacher Librarian and Media Specialist Staci Balice of New York City has garnered a prestigious 2024 grand prize FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence.  Photo credit: FLAG

Kudos to our nation’s Teacher Librarians/Media Specialists—specifically, Staci Balice of PS 58 Space Shuttle Columbia Public School in Staten Island, New York City. She has garnered a prestigious 2024 grand prize FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence from the FLAG Foundation for Excellence and Education.

In a career that spans more than 24 years, Staci has been working at PS 58 since the school first opened in 2003. In her library, Staci incorporates STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum into her instructional program. In addition to reading print books, her students create related digital media projects to strengthen their digital literacy.

Staci has worked tireless to advance digital literacy on her campus. To do this, she has established partnerships with high-profile companies such as LEGO Education, with the goal of incorporating hands-on, playful learning centers using standards-aligned lessons employing science, engineering, and technology.

In addition, Staci founded a chapter of Girls Who Code on her campus. The purpose of the club is to help increase the participation of girls in STEM activities. Within two years, the 20 girls who joined the chapter earned a first place trophy as the only all-girl team at the Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge.

The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. As a grand prize winner, Staci received a $25,000 cash prize, and her school received $10,000.

Staci is already making plans for how to best spend her cash prize. “In life, there are many chances to help your community,” she asserts, “and this award will really make it accessible for all of our students to have all the streaming and technology that they need.”

Taylor Bussinger named the 2024 Kansas State Teacher of the Year

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Social Studies teacher and coach Taylor Bussinger of Olathe, Kansas, has been named the 2024 State Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Olathe Reporter

It is always my pleasure to share the story of an outstanding educator who has earned accolades for his work in the classroom. Today I share the story of Taylor Bussinger, a middle school teacher who has been named the 2024 Kansas State Teacher of the Year.

Taylor teachers US History and Leadership courses to eighth graders at Prairie Trail Middle School in Olathe, Kansas. In addition to his teaching duties, Bussinger serves as the Head Boys Basketball Coach, the Head Cross Country Coach, and the co-founder and sponsor of the school’s Diversity Council. His career as an educator spans ten years.

The honored educator has a strong philosophy about education. “My job is not necessarily teaching history, but putting kids in a position where they’re doing the work of a historian, considering a topic and looking at it from multiple perspectives,” explains Taylor.

Taylor earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Social Studies from the University of Kansas in 2014. He earned his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas in 2018. In addition to his selection as the Kansas State Teacher of the Year, he was named a Horizon Award nominee in 2015 and he won an Educator Excellence Award in 20I8.

As the Kansas State Teacher of the Year, Taylor garnered a $4,000 cash award; the Kansas Teacher of the Year Lifelong Learning Scholarship to attend participating universities free of charge during his duration of teaching in Kansas; a Jostens “Leader in Education ring.” For the next year, he will travel around the state to advocate for education and provide professional development for his fellow teachers.

To read more about Taylor Bussinger, click on this link to an article about him published by The Kansas City Star.

 

Florida teacher Nicolette Barone named Hillsborough County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year

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Florida teacher Nicolette Barone has been named Hillsborough County’s 2024 District Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Nicolette Barone

Sometimes outstanding teachers find their way into the classroom quite by accident. This is true of Nicolette Barone, an elementary school teacher from Florida who has been named the Hillsborough County’s 2024 District Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Presidents Award for excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Originally, she intended to pursue a career in nursing.

Nicolette teaches mathematics to fifth graders at Oak Park Elementary School in Miami Beach, Florida. HDR career as an educator has spanned none years. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa.

The honored teacher’s route to the classroom was not a direct one. “I wanted to be a nurse. I was going to save lives,” Nicolette confesses. “But after failing anatomy twice, I realized teaching found me. I’ve never looked back since.,” she continues. Obviously, teaching is her calling. “I always tell people, it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do it with love. If you bring love into your classroom, into your relationships, and into teaching, you’ll be successful. That’s the key to building connections that last a lifetime,” she declares.

Nicolette earned her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from the. University of Tampa University in 2016. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, also from the University of Tampa University.

The PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the nation’s highest honor for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science teachers. The award honors the dedication, hard work, and importance that America’s teachers play in supporting learners who will become future STEM professionals, including computer technologists, climate scientists, mathematicians, inventors, space explorers, and engineers.

Texas teacher Jasmine Thomas earns recognition

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Here is a teacher you simply must meet: Jasmine Thomas of Houston, Texas. She has been named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Humble Independent School District.

Since 2022, Jasmine has taught fourth grade there at Autumn Elementary School. In addition to teaching, Jasmine is also a part of the Autumn Creek Elementary Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) team. Pouring positivity into the students and staff of Autumn Creek Elementary is part of her daily routine.

Jasmine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Communication Studies from Southwestern University in 2012.

The title of Humble ISD 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year comes with a check for $10,000.