UTD Congratulates Miami-Dade's
2009 Teacher of the Year 

Jacquelle E. Sconiers is Miami-Dade's 2009 Teacher of the Year.  Sconiers, a business education, mathematics, and personal development teacher at the Juvenile Justice Center School and a UTD Steward, received the Francisco R. Walker Golden Apple Trophy at the awards ceremony on Wednesday evening.  As Teacher of the Year, she also won a $5,000 scholarship from Nova Southeastern University, a $7,000 cash prize from United Healthcare and a new car from Toyota of South Florida.  Juvenile Justice Center School was awarded $2,000 from United Healthcare.

The runner up was Carlos Escobar of Felix Varela Senior High School and he received a $2,500 scholarship, also from Nova Southeastern University and a $2,500 cash award from United Healthcare. 

Each finalist received a Teacher's Chair from Hertz Furniture Systems to be delivered directly to their classrooms. 

Congratulations to the
Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County
2009 Teacher of Year
Winner and Runner-Up

WINNER
Jacquelle E. Sconiers
Regional Center III
Juvenile Justice Center School

Jacquelle E. Sconiers holds a master's degree in Public Administration from Florida International University.  She is currently pursuing a doctorate with an Educational Leadership concentration from Nova Southeastern University.  She also serves as her school's Test Chairperson and UTD Designated Steward.

Ms. Sconiers' philosophy of education is built on the foundation of servant-leadership, a value instilled in her by her parents, both former Miami-Dade County Public Schools educators.  Her role as an educator has been profoundly affected by her desire to invoke positive change within herself and others.

One of Ms. Sconiers' major accomplishments is the development of a Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program that incorporates a quality assurance assessment process.  She was also chosen by the Florida Department of Education to represent her region as  a grant reader in Tallahassee.
 

RUNNER-UP
Carlos A. Escobar
Regional Center VI
Felix Varela Senior High School

Carlos Escobar has dedicated his entire eight-year teaching career to the students of Felix Varela Senior High School, where he teaches Advanced Placement English literature, as well as ninth-grade gifted English and Honors English.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a master of Science in Reading Education from Florida International University.

Mr. Escobar was recruited by the College Board to compose and edit a book on writing literary analysis.  He has already been published in the College Board's AP English Literature & Composition: Teacher's Guide.  This National Board Certified Teacher had his course syllabus published on the College Board's website last year and was also listed in the Who's Who Among High School Teachers in 2002 and 2005.

Mr. Escobar's greatest professional accomplishment has been to earn the respect of his current and former principals, his mentors, and his former teachers.  He engages his students in discussions on literature to motivate them to become lifelong readers.

Click here to view all finalists