The judges selecting Pinellas County’s next Teacher of the Year will be choosing among 10 finalists with experience in a variety of grades and disciplines.
They were picked from a group of 132 nominees who were scored by a panel of judges from the district’s Teaching and Learning and Professional Development departments. The finalists then participate in interviews before a winner is announced in a ceremony on Jan. 22 at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.
The school district shared the list of finalists along with quotes that express their perspectives on teaching:
Deanna Barthel
Clearwater Fundamental Middle School
Barthel is a language arts and reading teacher with 14 years of experience.
“I want my students to know that, no matter what, there is someone in their lives cheering them on and working to help them succeed,” she said. “I will know that I have made a positive impact on their lives if they leave my classroom with confidence in themselves to do hard things.”
Lisa Bitting
Palm Harbor University High
Bitting teaches biology as well as sports, exercise and health science. She has been an educator for 34 years.
“I believe a classroom doesn’t need four walls. A classroom can be any place where there is mutual respect between people that allows knowledge to flow,” Bitting said. “I have a huge passion to reach as many students as possible with a smile, a kind word and many ways of learning.”
Sadra Bostick
Ponce de Leon Elementary
Bostick teaches reading and math in grades two through five. She has 27 years of professional experience.
“I want my students to see mistakes as opportunities for growth, to face challenges with perseverance, and to understand change requires time,” she said. “I want them to embrace tolerance and radiate kindness towards themselves and others. I want them to be confident and know they are capable of great things.”
Kristin Campbell
Sandy Lane Elementary
As a kindergarten teacher, Campbell instructs her students in English language arts, math, science and social studies. She has been an educator for 7 years.
“I aim for my scholars and their families to sense my dedication, know my love, and draw strength from my unwavering belief in their potential,” she said. “My goal is to equip them with vital socio-emotional skills for academic and life challenges.”
Karin David
East Lake Middle
David, a math instructor, has been teaching for 16 years.
“I want students to return in 10 years and say, ‘In your classroom, I know I mattered,’” she said. “While I want them to remember important skills and fun dynamics, my actions should be impactful, memorable, and life-changing. I hope they remember that small matters have enormous importance.”
Debbie Georgia-Stein
Gibbs High
Georgia-Stein teaches geometry and AP statistics at Gibbs. She has 35 years of experience in the classroom.
“I want my students to learn to love learning and to question everything,” she said. “I want them to become independent and successful in whatever they decide to do in life. I want to build their confidence so they will be willing to take on any challenge.”
Kristin Jennings
Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary
Jennings, an educator for 24 years, teaches third grade math and science.
“I want to leave an impact that will last a lifetime,” she said. “I want my students to remember that hard work and effort make you successful in life. I want them to never give up, believe in themselves, always try their best, and know that I will always be there for them.”
Gerard Madrinan
Seminole High
Madrinan is director of the Seminole Warhawk Marching Band. He has been an educator for 16 years.
“Being a classroom teacher means having the opportunity to change students’ lives for the better,” he said. “It’s an exhilarating mission that has never felt like a job. My hope is to inspire them to work hard at what they do, believe in themselves and love the process of getting up each morning.”
Naomi Middlebrooks
Maximo Elementary
Middlebrooks teaches fifth grade math at Maximo. She has been an educator for seven years.
“My goal for my students is to foster lasting independence and confidence,” she said. “My vision for them is to transition from fifth grade with newfound bravery as they navigate new experiences, equipped with the skills needed to maintain organization, advocate, and problem-solve.”
Cole Pierce
Tyrone Middle
Pierce, a math teacher at Tyrone, has 14 years’ experience in the classroom.
“Being a classroom teacher means building strong positive relationships, providing students a safe learning space to take chances and make mistakes, and providing students with meaningful learning experiences to shape them into successful scholars and citizens,” he said.
