Return to Headlines

CEC announces annual ESE award winners

May 2, 2024

 

The Council for Exceptional Children Suncoast Chapter 176 honored 80 ESE staff members at the 44th Annual Staff Awards Ceremony.

The event took place on April 25 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 

The CEC had a record number of candidates in each category, recognizing more than 80 ESE staff members from 33 different schools in six different categories. 

The CEC celebrates excellence in staff members who go above and beyond to ensure our ESE students are making progress and striving to reach their potential.   

Congratulations to the winners and finalists in each category:

ESE Teacher of the Year

  • Winner: Melissa Hebbeler, Pinellas Park High  
  • Patricia Coughlin, Bay Point Middle 
  • Katrina  Klausing, Fairmount Park Elementary
  • Sara South, Sawgrass Elementary 

Nancy Givens Administrator of the Year

  • Winner: Carlie Stach, Plumb Elementary  
  • Tonya Mitchell, Nina Harris Exceptional Center
  • Leah Donnelly, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle 

ESE Rookie Teacher of the Year (less than 3 years experience)

  • Winner: Hannah Woods, Meadowlawn Middle
  • Rebecca Turnbough, Curlew Creek Elementary
  • Renay  Aubel, Plumb Elementary 

ESE Inclusion Teacher

  • Winner: Erin Reynolds, Sawgrass Lake Elementary  
  • Alaina Youngs, Elisa Nelson  Elementary
  • Lauren Knieja, Leila Davis  Elementary

ESE Support Professional 

  • Winner: Stefanie Davis, Seminole High
  • Mary Span, Sawgrass Lake Elementary
  • Jordyn Counts, Seminole Elementary 

ESE Related Services Professional

  • Winner: Barbara Shannon, Extended Transition Countywide
  • Joheisly Espinal-Gonzalez, Seminole High
  • Rachel Finnegan, Brooker Creek Elementary 

 

ESE Teacher of the Year Winner: Melissa Hebbeler, Pinellas Park High

Melissa Hebbeler

Nancy Givens Administrator of the Year Winner: Carlie Stach, Plumb Elementary  

Carly Stach

ESE Rookie Teacher of the Year (less than 3 years experience): Winner: Hannah Woods, Meadowlawn Middle

Hannah Woods

ESE Inclusion Teacher: Winner: Erin Reynolds, Sawgrass Lake Elementary  

Erin Reynolds

ESE Support Professional: Winner: Stefanie Davis, Seminole High

Stefanie Davis

ESE Related Services Professional: Winner: Barbara Shannon, Extended Transition Countywide

Barbara Shannon