Submitted by the Osceola County School District Public Information Office

The field of 53 individuals named as school-based "Teachers of the Year", in honor of excellence in their profession, has been narrowed down to the top five finalists.  The name of one of these individuals will be revealed as Osceola County's 2011 "Teacher of the Year" at a ceremony hosted by the Education Foundation - Osceola on Friday, March 26, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

The following educators have been named as finalists:

Christina DeAmicis, Language Arts teacher at St. Cloud High School

Kathy Keffer, Second Grade teacher at Boggy Creek Elementary

Bruce Mulford, Social Studies teacher at Liberty High School

Sheila Steirer, Reading Coach at Osceola County School for the Arts

Patty Walker, Fifth Grade teacher at Bellalago Charter Academy

Photo (l to r) Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego, Christina DeAmicis, Language Arts teacher at St. Cloud High School and district Teacher of the Year Finalist, and St. Cloud High Principal Pam Tapley.

A panel of judges selected the finalists based on their applications outlining their educational history, professional development, teaching philosophy and practice, and included letters of recommendation.  Each finalist was surprised at their work location by Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego with a rose bouquet, donated by Golden Carriage Florist in Kissimmee, to announce their finalist standing.