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Beloved Port Charlotte High teacher loses out on top state honor

By TIFFANY LANKES

tiffany.lankes@heraldtribune.com

ORLANDO -- Red carpets, limo rides and sealed envelopes are typically reserved for Hollywood's biggest celebrities.

But on Thursday night, Florida teachers were the biggest stars at the state's annual Teacher of the Year Contest at the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando.

Port Charlotte High School teacher Bob Johnson was one of the five finalists recognized at the event. Although he did not win -- Orange County teacher Richard Ellenburg did -- Johnson was still satisfied.

He will get to go back to the classroom in August, instead of traveling the country as Florida's Teacher of the Year representative.

"My kids are probably cheering right now that I'll be back," Johnson said.

Johnson was selected as a finalist from a pool of 72 teachers who were nominated from school districts and other education programs around the state.

"Just being a finalist says a lot of things about what we're doing in Charlotte County," Johnson said.

Since he started at Port Charlotte 20 years ago, Johnson has earned a reputation for his work both in and out of the classroom.

Fellow teachers applaud his ability to captivate the students in his social studies classes, using a Socratic style of facilitating discussions instead of lecturing.

Johnson also started Port Charlotte's powerhouse Model United Nations club, where students research and debate global issues. The team regularly sweeps the awards at national and international contests.

The Port Charlotte teacher has also led more than 500 students on trips abroad to places like Bosnia, Tunisia and the Amazon. During one of these trips, he got the idea to set up a program for students to buy products from indigenous artists and sell them at the Port Charlotte mall during the holidays. The program has raised $160,000.

"His unique approach goes far beyond the classroom," said Julie Greiner, chief executive officer of Macy's, which sponsors the event. "Last year it was four weeks in Eastern Europe, next year somewhere else. He creates memorable, life-changing experiences for his students."

About 300 educators and supporters, including a group from Charlotte, attended Thursday's gala at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios.

School Board member Barbara Rendell had tears in her eyes after the announcement that Johnson did not make it.

"No one else compares," she said. "I'm so surprised he didn't make it."

Teachers, including Johnson, donned tuxedos and evening wear for the posh event, which concluded with indoor fireworks and a balloon drop. The honorees mingled as rock music played and watched video vignettes of the five finalists.

And just like at the Academy Awards, speakers were cajoled off the stage with triumphant music to keep the ceremony moving.

All of the other school district teachers of the year, including Booker Middle School's Jennifer Nzeza, were also recognized at the event. Manatee County was one of just seven school districts that did not nominate someone.

"Becoming Teacher of the Year is a momentous acknowledgment," said Education Commissioner Jeanine Bloomberg. "It demonstrates that as a teacher you have been able to motivate students to learn, achieve and believe in their dreams. Your hard work, commitment and dedication has improved the quality of education in Florida."

Johnson was the first teacher from Charlotte County to become a finalist in the state's annual competition. The last time someone from Southwest Florida won was when a Sarasota High School teacher took the honor in 1985.

Despite the excitement of the ceremony, Johnson wasn't planning to stick around for long. Today he and his wife are leaving on a trip to Ghana, where he hopes to develop a relationship with a cultural center so some day he can take his students.

From Sarasota Herald Tribune, July 13, 2007