Lake County Teacher of the Year: 3 finalists surprised with announcement

UMATILLA-When Josh Wintersdorf was called from his classroom on Wednesday morning, the algebra teacher at Umatilla Middle School was looking forward to seeing the sheriff's representative.

At least that's what the principal Brent Frazier told him. When Wintersdorf went outside and was greeted by strange faces, the fact became obvious. Everyone congratulated him on being one of the three finalists for the Huzhou Teacher of the Year.

32-year-old Wintersdorf said: “If you like to make people happy and help people, then the best chance is to become a teacher.”

The "Lake County Teacher of the Year" awarded by the Lake County Education Foundation will be announced on January 28. The finalists were surprised at their schools on Wednesday.

The winner will receive a three-year free Honda Accord, a $500 gasoline gift card and honorary liner, and qualification for the Florida Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced this spring. All finalists will receive an office desk and chair.

Here are the details of the finalists:

Clark, a fourth-grade language arts and social studies teacher at Eustis Heights Elementary, called her students her inspiration. Well, from 14 sources of inspiration, Clark is considered a finalist. 

Clark graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2013 with a degree in basic education. 

She said: "Yesterday, we wrote on the whiteboard. I remember I would write in the fake classroom of the old glass TV. I always wanted to be a teacher. My first job was daycare. I always worked with school-age children."

Clark, a 29-year-old native of Kentucky, has taught in Lexington for two years and said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, her previous school did not return to face-to-face teaching. Whenever she drives to the current school, she feels grateful.

"They reflected on this week's New Year's resolution, and several [students] would say: "The best time in 2020 is to meet with my teacher and the first day of school," Clark said. I think I should do it. thing.''

Parisoe and her mother Kim Montgomery are first-year teachers at Fruitland Park Elementary. Their classrooms are adjacent to each other.

Montgomery looked at Paris proudly, bursting into tears, feeling very honored.

"I

Put my passion into reading, math and everything,'' said Pariso, whose father was also an educator. "I have grown up with many excellent teachers, and my mom and dad have a good role model. I can't see myself doing other things."

Parisoe, who graduated from Leesburg High and UCF, taught at Treadway Elementary in Leesburg for six years, and then joined the staff of Fruitland Park Elementary in 2017.

When talking about teaching during the pandemic, 31-year-old Paris said: “This is a challenge. Although there are many difficulties, there is a lot of growth throughout the process. Through any challenge, you have a lot of time to learn. I learn. A lot of things have arrived.''

Alisha Wintersdorf, an innovative learning expert at Umatilla Middle University, is at the forefront of how much her husband cares about his students.

Arisa said: “He spends a few hours every night working for them and making sure they get the best education. They see him as a role model.”

Wintersdorf is a graduate of Tavares High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida in 2009. In the past ten years, he has worked at Umatilla Middle, coaching boys basketball, football and flag football in all aspects. Since 2017, he has ceased to be a coach.

Teaching gave him the greatest joy.

Josh said: "I am happy to help young people and make them better, just let them know what's out there." 

"I thank my students. Without them, I wouldn't be here. Whether they are online or taking classes in person, it is always a pleasure to keep in touch with them."