Westchase teacher honored

Susan L. Mikolajczyk teaches kindergarten at the elementary school.

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 23, 2006

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TAMPA -- Susan L. Mikolajczyk, a kindergarten teacher at Westchase Elementary School, won Hillsborough County's 2006 Teacher of the Year award Thursday.

She emerged from an initial field of 211 candidates and 10 finalists to take the honor. Mikolajczyk received prizes including $2,000 cash, tickets to cultural and sporting events, a $1,000 scholarship from Nova Southeastern University, a limo ride to school, a Teacher of the Year ring, one year of basic cable, a cruise to the Bahamas with hotel, and a one-year lease on a Lexus.

She next will compete for state Teacher of the Year honors.

Mikolajczyk, a teacher for the past 17 years, has established violin classes using the Suzuki method for kindergarteners and other students at Westchase. She often dresses up and performs in class to help students learn. Along with another Westchase teacher, she also has begun an outreach program to Just Elementary School.