LIZAN ALLEYNE: Math teacher, F.W. Springstead High School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in sociology from City College of New York.
Teaching experience: She taught math for five years in New York before accepting her current position at Springstead in 1990. In 1992, she became an adjunct instructor at Pasco-Hernando Community College.
Teaching philosophy: "I thoroughly enjoy watching the day-to-day progress of my students and helping them to become confident in their abilities. To me, that is the true spirit of teaching."
Activities and achievements: founder and sponsor of the school's International Club, a cultural awareness organization on campus. In addition, she teaches Sunday school at Spring Hill Baptist Church and is involved in several community outreach programs with the church.
BARBARA MICHELLE BILLINGSLY: Fifth grade teacher, Deltona Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in elementary education from West Liberty State College. In addition, she has received certification of ESOL training from the state department of education, and is a trained clinical educator. Teaching experience: Before accepting her current position in 1990, she taught elementary education for five years in Louisiana and Florida.
Teaching philosophy: "I can't imagine doing anything else that could bring such joy and satisfaction to my life. To see a child's eyes light up after they have figured out how to do something they have been struggling with is a reward in itself."
Activities and achievements: She is the school's fifth-grade lead teacher and is on the school advisory council, the yearbook committee and is co-coordinator of the school's character education committee.
BONNIE BROCKHOFF: Kindergarten teacher, J.D. Floyd Elementary School
Education highlights: She received her bachelor's degree in education from Concordia University. She is working toward a master's degree in education.
Teaching experience: She began her career as a special education instructor in the St. Louis, Mo., school system. She taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at schools in Georgia and New York before accepting her current position at Floyd in 2002.
Teaching philosophy: "We like to think we're in control. We like to think we call the shots and order our days and lives. Yet as we look back on our lives, wisdom suggests that the best thing we can do is bloom where we are planted."
Activities and achievements: She is the school's kindergarten team leader and helped create Kinder Kamp, a school readiness program for incoming students. She is also a member of the Hernando County Reading Focus Group. In 2000, she was nominated for the Disney Teacher of the Year award.
LORI BRUNO: Speech and language specialist, Chocachatti Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in speech and hearing therapy from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; post-graduate studies with the University of Central Florida.
Teaching experience: In 1981 she began working in the Hernando County school system as a speech and language pathologist and worked with special education pupils in several schools in association with the Florida Diagnostic Learning Resource Systems. She has been at Chocachatti Elementary since 1999.
Teaching philosophy: "I encourage my students to identify and embrace their own unique learning styles as they work to improve their communicative competence in an academic setting."
Activities and achievements: She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Council for Exceptional Children, the Hernando Schools Inclusion Focus Group/Task Force and the Library of Speech and Language Pathology. In 1995 she was a finalist for the Disney American Teacher Award and is a former finalist for Hernando County Teacher of the Year.
KANDYCE CALLAGHAN: Health science teacher, Nature Coast Technical High School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in nursing from Minot State University; master's degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. In 2001, she received national board certification in career and technical education.
Teaching experience: After more than 14 years in the nursing profession, she decided to pursue a career in health care education, first as an adjunct professor at Pasco-Hernando Community College, where she taught clinical nursing. In 1994 she started the health science program at Central High School, where she remained until moving to the new Nature Coast Technical program.
Teaching philosophy: "I have found my niche. Nearly everything I do revolves around finding ways to keep my students' interest so that they will have the opportunity to attain their goals and become successful in their careers."
Activities and achievements: She is active in numerous health education organizations and serves as advisor to the school's Health Occupations Students of America club. Her community volunteer service includes conducting health screening for the elderly in cooperation with the county health department's outreach services. She is a three-time finalist for Hernando County Teacher of the Year.
CINDY DESLAURIER: Math teacher, Central High School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in mathematics education from the University of South Florida.
Teaching experience: After interning at a charter school in Lakeland, she accepted her current position at Central High in 1999.
Teaching philosophy: "The greatest joy I have in class is to see students who are not highly motivated enjoying math and participating in class. I believe students today learn somewhat differently than students did during my high school years. I encourage students to learn by applying concepts to concrete problems and coming up with multiple ways of getting the right answer."
Activities and achievements: She is the math department chair at Central High and serves as both student government advisor and is a member of the school's soccer booster club. She also serves as sponsor of the Hernando Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society.
MARK FRAZIER: Technology teacher, D.S. Parrott Middle School
Education highlights: bachelor of science degree from Ball State University; master of education from the University of South Florida.
Teaching experience: He began teaching at Parrott Middle in 1975.
Teaching philosophy: "Because we are living in a quick-changing, high-tech world, it is my job as a career educator to provide students with the latest in problem-solving techniques, while at the same time finding ways to stimulate their creativity. I believe the best way to do this is by incorporating hands-on experience into a fast-paced, exciting, challenging and fun learning environment."
Activities and achievements: He serves as advisor to the school's morning Parrott News Network production staff. He and his family also are active members of Brooksville Assembly of God. As the school's yearbook advisor, he oversaw the production of the school's national award-winning entries in 1991 and 1992.
PENELOPE LESPINASSE, Foreign language teacher, Hernando High School
Education highlights: bachelor of arts degree from L'Institut d' Etudes, Tours, France; master's degree in foreign language from Ohio State University. Graduate courses in elementary education and French K-12 from Florida Atlantic University.
Teaching experience: She taught bilingual elementary students for six years in Broward County and was an ESOL trainer for the state department of education before accepting a teaching position at Hernando High in 1994.
Teaching philosophy: "During the year, we take as many field trips as possible, to art exhibits, a play or to Epcot Center. It is such a joy to watch students actually using the language they have acquired in meaningful situations and to return to the classroom to tell their classmates, in their own words, about their own experiences."
Activities and achievements: She serves as sponsor to the school's French Club and French National Honor Society, and serves as varsity cheerleading coach. In addition, she is a member of the American Association of Teachers of French and the Florida Foreign Language Association.
SUSAN MOGLIA: Exceptional student education teacher, West Hernando Middle School
Education highlights: bachelor of arts degree in exceptional student education from the University of South Florida. She is also board certified as a teacher of children with varying exceptionalities and specific disabilities.
Teaching experience: She began her career as a substitute teacher at Parrot Middle School and later spent three and a half years as a classroom paraprofessional before accepting her current position at West Hernando Middle in 1995.
Teaching philosophy: "Parents have dreams for their children, but the dreams are based on a child's ability. Tasks simple to one may be great for others. Giving independence to a child that might never achieve it is a dream come true for a parent or a teacher. Assisting a child to reach their dreams is possibly the most rewarding thing an adult can do."
Actvities and achievements: At West Hernando Middle she instituted the highly-successful "buddy" program, a physical education program that pairs mainstream students with special needs students. She is a member of the Brooksville chapter of Moose International and serves as its Florida community service chairman.
HELEN MYERS: Fifth grade teacher, Brooksville Elementary
Education highlights: bachelors degree in elementary education from West Liberty State University plus post-graduate courses.
Teaching experience: She taught several years at elementary schools in New Jersey and later taught language arts for 12 years at Clermont (Fla.) Middle School. She accepted her present position at Brooksville Elementary in 1997.
Teaching philosophy: "My education philosophy is to show my students the value of a good education and to begin developing within them the habit of making responsible choices."
Activities and achievements: She heads the Cheer Fund Committee and is a member of the school's disciplinary committee and is a principal organizer of the school's fall festival. She is a former finalist for Hernando County's Teacher of the Year.
BRIDGET OSBORNE: Sixth and seventh grade teacher, STAR Education Center
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida.
Teaching experience: She spent several years as a youth counselor and later worked as a domestic violence program coordinator at the Dawn Center before accepting a position as an educator at the STAR Center.
Teaching philosophy: "These children are not bad, nor are they stupid - they simply learn differently than the traditional classroom format. I try to help them turn their unique learning styles into strengths instead of weaknesses. There is nothing more fulfilling to me than to see one of these students begin to get excited about learning."
Activities and achievements: She is the assistant FCAT test coordinator at the school and the coordinator of the school-wide reading program. Her community service involvement includes volunteer work at the Hernando County Humane Society facility.
MARILYN PAZANESE: Fourth grade teacher, Suncoast Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in elementary education from St. Leo College.
Teaching experience: After several years as a teaching assistant at Notre Dame Interparochial School she accepted a teaching position at Suncoast Elementary in 1999.
Teaching philosophy: "I want each student to succeed and reach their full potential. Teaching is more than my profession; it is my passion. My students have helped transform me into the confident educator I am today."
Activities and achievements: She has been the school's fourth grade team leader for four years. She is also a staff representative in the school's PTA and school advisory council.
SCOTT PIESIK: Physical education teacher, Pine Grove Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor of science degree in physical education and psychology from Castleton State College.
Teaching experience: He taught physical education at Deer Park Elementary in New Port Richey for six years before accepting his current position at Pine Grove Elementary in 2001.
Teaching philosophy: "As a teacher, it is my obligation and responsibility to assure that each of my students' needs are met. My goal is to challenge them to work harder and achieve more than they think is possible by creating an environment in which they are both motivated to learn and are provided with the opportunity to learn."
Activities and achievements: He is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and is an active volunteer coach in Hernando County recreational youth sports programs.
PATTI PITTMAN: Third grade teacher, Westside Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida. She is pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from National-Louis University.
Teaching experience: She taught briefly at Deltona Elementary before accepting a position at Westside Elementary in 1995.
Teaching philosophy: "I feel I represent all teachers who are compassionate about their roles and responsibilities. All children need a positive influence in their lives."
Activities and achievements: She serves on several school committees including the district's math focus group, multi-cultural awareness, ESOL and the young author's committee. She is also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.
NORMA SAMPSON: Third grade teacher, Eastside Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bethune-Cookman College; master's degree from Stetson University.
Teaching experience: She began her teaching career with adult education in Daytona Beach shortly after graduation. She spent six years teaching at Westside Elementary before accepting a position at Eastside Elementary, where she has taught for the past 22 years.
Teaching philosophy: "Teaching is not a popularity contest. It is a commitment - the commitment to make sure each child approaches his or her potential to meet the academic standards of an ever-changing world."
Activities and achievements: She is a member of Eastside Elementary's parent-teacher organization, and is a participant in the Extra Time for Children program. She is a candidate for certification by the National Board of Professional Standards.
ADELA SANCHEZ: Fourth grade teacher, Moton Elementary School
Education highlights: associate's degree from Pasco-Hernando Community College; bachelor's degree in education from St. Leo College.
Teaching experience: She began her teaching career at Moton Elementary in 2000.
Teaching philosophy: "What I learned from my father in (my) early years have shaped me to be who I am today. It was through his example that I strive to work diligently and productively in all tasks, no matter how small or great the feat may be. I am an example for many to dream and believe that anything is possible when one aims high."
Activities and achievements: She is active in the school's advisory committee and is the fourth grade team's technology advisor. She also serves as liaison with the school's Hispanic community and acts as an interpreter for non-English-speaking parents.
SHARON TWYMAN: First grade teacher, Spring Hill Elementary School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida.
Teaching experience: A former classroom paraprofessional, she accepted her first full-time teaching position at Spring Hill Elementary shortly after her college graduation in 1993.
Teaching philosophy: "Education is in the family - it's a way of life. I'm constantly amazed at the process of imparting knowledge on children. If you give them the best opportunity and the confidence to excel, they will make the most of it."
Activities and achievements: She is team leader for the school's first grade teaching team, and is active on several school committees, including the school's Green Team. She is also a teacher trainer in the University of South Florida's BALANCE program. A cancer survivor, she acts as team captain in the school's annual participation in Relay For Life. Last year, the school raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society's ROCK Camp.
BETH VARN: Microsociety coordinator: Powell Middle School
Education highlights: bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of South Florida, with a professional teaching certificate in business education for grades 6-12. She is pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership at USF.
Teaching experience: She began teaching kindergarten in 1997 at the Methodist School Center in Brooksville, and two years later became a career education teacher at Parrott Middle. In 2001 she accepted her current position at Powell Middle.
Teaching philosophy: "I feel that the microsociety experience provides students a perfect setting to learn the benefits of good character traits. I promote teamwork, cooperation and compromise, which are essential elements of a successful business venture."
Activities and achievements: She is chairperson of the school's character education committee and serves as faculty representative in the school advisory council.
SUSAN WARD: Reading teacher, Fox Chapel Middle School
Education highlights: bachelor's degree in education from Northeast Missouri State University. She is pursuing a master's degree at the University of South Florida.
Teaching experience: After teaching fourth and fifth grade in Hernando County schools, she accepted a permanent position at Fox Chapel Middle in 1997.
Teaching philosophy: "Reading is a pathway to learning, a way to enrich your life and that of those around you. Modeling good reading strategies and demonstrating how much I enjoy reading will hopefully "hook' others and in turn, increase their understanding and enjoyment of reading."
Activities and achievements: She is active in several school education committees and is coordinator of the school's Accelerated Reader program.
The Hernando County Teacher of the Year ceremony will be held at 7 p.m Saturday in the Hernando High Performing Arts Center. A pre-ceremony reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the lobby. Tickets to the event are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are available at all Hernando schools as well as the Hernando County School Board office at 919 N. Broad St. in Brooksville. For information call 797-7000.
