Department of Education Thanks Business Partners Committed to Supporting Florida

Friday, July 11, 2014

DOE Press Office 850-245-0413

Department of Education Thanks Business Partners Committed to Supporting Florida's Teachers

~ Generous sponsor contributions celebrate Florida's top teachers ~

Tallahassee, Fla., July 11, 2014 - Christie Bassett was named the 2015 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year at a gala awards ceremony last night in Orlando. Bassett, a K-12 Art Teacher at Highlands Grove Elementary School in Polk County, took home the top honor after three days of activities to recognize all of Florida's district teachers of the year.

Thanks to generous contributions from business partners, Florida's top teachers were treated to a three-day retreat with opportunities to network, learn and celebrate with colleagues and education leaders.

"I want to thank our generous sponsors for their support of the Teacher of the Year program and the dedicated educators in Florida's schools," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "Their benevolence provided our teachers with an unforgettable experience I hope they cherish for a lifetime."

Sponsor organizations were represented at this week's events by top executives who expressed their appreciation and commitment to educational excellence in Florida. Their contributions made possible activities and gifts such as a welcome reception, teacher roundtable, technology products, finalist rings and complimentary tickets.

For more information, visit 2015 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year.