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Burnett Teacher Honored

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

SEFFNER - Little things count when it comes to making a great teacher.

That was the conclusion of the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Hillsborough County School Board when they selected Burnett Middle School language arts teacher Stacey Schlarbaum as one of eight finalists for 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Like the other finalists, the 36-year-old teacher was treated to a visit in her Seffner classroom Dec. 18 by members of a "surprise patrol" who greeted her with flowers, balloons, gifts and the announcement that she was a finalist.

"I was shocked," Schlarbaum said. "I had no idea. Nobody said a word to me. I didn't know what to do. I just started crying."

Schlarbaum is the second Burnett teacher to be named a finalist for county Teacher of the Year. The first was Vicki Ewing.

Schlarbaum's colleagues, including Susie Vandeventer, the school's Teacher of the Year for 2008-09, said Schlarbaum was an ideal choice because she's equally loved by students and co-workers.

Except for one year teaching at Franklin Elementary School, her career has been spent at Burnett.

She said she loves the school, even though it's a long commute from her home in Riverview.

"I've been here since the school opened," she said. "It's quite a drive, but when you can work in a friendly environment like this, it's worth it."

Peers say Schlarbaum is a big reason for the school's warm, welcoming environment. She runs the staff's Sunshine Committee, which is responsible for planning staff functions, acknowledging accomplishments and special occasions, and providing incentives.

"I believe happy teachers equal happy students, so morale is very important," said Schlarbaum, gesturing toward a buffet of holiday treats laid out for the staff that her committee organized.

"We bring in goodies to share, send little notes of appreciation with a piece of candy, happy birthday or sympathy cards. It's a place where people care about what you do, and it carries over into the classroom."

The ultimate goal is to make a difference in the lives of children, she said.

"I've implemented a lot of FCAT programs, and my kids have really excelled. Their scores have really improved," she said. "But it's also important to show them you care, to make a personal connection," she said. "Putting a smiley face on their paper, giving them a high five as they leave the classroom, knowing I read everything they write - because I respond to it. It makes a difference."

Nominations for Teacher of the Year were submitted to the district by more than 200 schools. All nominees will be honored at a ceremony Feb. 9, where the 2009-10 Teacher of the Year will be announced.

The winner will represent Hillsborough County in the state Teacher of the Year competition. All finalists will receive cash prizes, scholarships and gifts from event sponsors.

Other teachers receiving word were Suzanne Huopalainen of Chamberlain High School, Marschette Hunter-Lane of North Tampa Alternative School, Jane Gucciardo of Martinez Middle School, Debbie Mattox of Davidsen Middle School, Charla Kerwin of Springhead Elementary School, Darrell Frost of Just Elementary School and Megan Allen of Cleveland Elementary School.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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