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By Times StaffThree are finalists for Hillsborough's Ida S. Baker award to be presented Thursday.
TAMPA - Three veteran educators are finalists for Hillsborough's Ida S. Baker Distinguished Educator of the Year award, which recognizes contributions to minority students and families.
Peggy Gassett teaches fourth grade at Booker T. Washington Elementary in Ybor City. She created a college prep program for elementary students and runs a summer program for at-risk students. She has taught for almost 30 years.
Windell Roberson, a 34-year teacher, works as a student intervention specialist at D. W. Waters Career Center. His mentoring initiatives include a program that links students with volunteers from the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Ninfa Guerra Rodriguez teaches English as a second language to third-graders at Dover Elementary. She grew up in a family of migrant farm workers and now organizes performances celebrating the cultural diversity of her students. In 11 years of teaching, she has earned recognition as a Distinguished Title I Graduate and a National Board Certified Teacher.
The finalists were picked from more than 160 nominees. The winner will be announced at a banquet Thursday evening. The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough schools are hosting the event.