On November 8, 2022, Seminole County Public Schools announced its 2024 Teachers of Year Semi-Finalists.
Elementary
Tatiana Dennard, Casselberry Elementary School
Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies
1st Grade
Mrs. Dennard radiates kindness and compassion for both students and staff at Casselberry Elementary. She
sets high expectations for ALL students and helps them reach their goals.
Leanne Briatico, Crystal Lake Elementary School
Elementary Education
3rd Grade
Ms. Briatico is a team player and encourages all members of the Crystal Lake staff to take a collaborative
approach in reaching the needs of all students. She is an inspiring leader in the classroom.
Amy Sink, Hamilton Elementary School
Elementary Education
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Along with being an outstanding teacher, Mrs. Sink is also an amazing leader. With math as a centerpiece of
primary academic instruction, and critical thinking skills at the forefront of all lessons, Mrs. Sink blends
traditional teaching strategies with innovation to address both the “core” and our magnet curriculum of
engineering and technology.
Alicia Martinez, Longwood Elementary School
Elementary Education
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Alicia easily embodies not only this school year’s focus for Longwood Elementary School, “Bringing Back
the T.I.M.E.S.-Trust, Involvement, Mentorship, Enthusiasm, and Shared Responsibility”, but also supports
and is constantly trying to come up with new ways for students to have success while at school, both
academically and behaviorally.
Janan Hodges, Spring Lake Elementary School
Elementary Math & Science
3rd Grade
Ms. Hodges establishes clear expectations to create a classroom community with learning at the heart. She
is a reflective practitioner who strives toward life-long learning and continuous improvement.
Jeannine D’Agostino, Wilson Elementary School
Elementary Education Instructional Coach
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Ms. D'Agostino is a down to earth, humble, and genuine individual who always focuses on the positives and ignores the negatives. She is a master teacher and always finds a way to engage every single child, no matter his or her learning style, individual needs, and/or background.
Middle School
Joshua Autrey, Milwee Middle School
Music (Kindergarten to 12th Grade)
Band (6th to 8th Grade)
Mr. Joshua Autrey is a talented and innovative educator that provides an exceptional academic
experience for his students every time they enter his classroom. Mr. Autrey always takes his time with
all details concerning the children. He truly cares for their overall wellbeing as well as musical
experience.
Courtney Friedman, Sanford Middle School
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
6th to 8th Grade
Ms. Friedman is a dedicated, passionate, and caring educator. Not only is her Pre-Vet course elective one
of the most sought after because of the amazing partnership with the Central Florida Zoo, it's because of
Ms. Friedman herself.
Jillian Orleman, Educational Support Center
School Social Work
Kindergarten to 12th Grade
The focus of Seminole County Schools’ Strategic Plan is equity and excellence, and Mrs. Orleman’s body of
work epitomizes both attributes. She is a fierce advocate for at risk and vulnerable youth in our
community. She is tireless in her efforts to ensure that all students have access to be successful.
High School
Matthew Thompson, Hagerty High School
Family & Consumer Science
9th to 12th Grade
Matt Thompson is the lead teacher in our culinary program. Under his leadership, our program has thrived and currently consists of three full time teachers who serve over 500 students. Matt has developed positive relationships with his students and the faculty.
Britney Lacarte, Lake Brantley High School
Early Childhood Ed, Young Men of Excellence
9th to 12th Grade
Ms. Lacarte exemplifies what it means to be a caring and involved educator. Her work with our BSU and Young Men of Excellence, while also representing the Class of 2023 AND teaching a full schedule of Early Childhood courses shows that she can balance anything thrown at her on a daily basis.
Kelly Meahl, Seminole High School
ELA IB English III, Theory of Knowledge
11th and 12th Grade
As an IB and National Board Certified teacher, Mrs. Meahl teaches the most challenging curriculum to the highest-level students and is charged with providing dynamic, rigorous instruction to those students who are bound for the most prestigious universities in America. This is an honor, but obviously an honor reflective of her instructional expertise and her dedication to her students.
The 2024 SCPS TOY Celebration is presented by the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools. It will take place in early February. During this event, the overall SCPS TOY will be named and will go on to represent the district at the state competition.
Congratulations to all of our semi-finalists!