PCPS Announces District 7 Finalists for 2025-26 Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
Fridays are for finalists!
Congratulations to our Inspire Awards finalists from District 7:
- Jill Mack, Teacher of the Year finalist, reading teacher, Boswell Elementary
- Eugenia Tijerino-Bendana, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, ESOL paraeducator, Wendell Watson Elementary
Brief profiles of these two finalists can be found below.
PCPS is recognizing finalists from all seven districts, and the overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. The Inspire Awards will be held on Nov. 7 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships collaborate to present this annual event.
During the event, finalists will be recognized with video tributes and receive sponsored gifts. The Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will receive a cash prize generously donated by title sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Jill Mack, Boswell Elementary, District 7 Teacher of the Year
Jill Mack is described as a “teacher like no other.” She has an extraordinary gift for making connections with students, especially those who might struggle when it comes to trusting adults. She can see the potential in all children, using individualized instruction, high expectations and unwavering support to help them thrive in school. Every student feels capable of success in her classroom.
Mack also has a talent for developing innovative strategies to help students become more engaged and proficient in reading. Her students have shown tremendous gains on their assessments, and not surprisingly, she is highly regarded as a teacher mentor, as well as a leader for professional development sessions. Beyond academics, Mack volunteers her time for after-school programs and family engagement nights, and is well-liked by parents and community members. Administrators say her “quiet but powerful” style has had a transformative impact on Boswell Elementary.
Eugenia Tijerino-Bendana, Wendell Watson Elementary, District 7 School-Related Employee of the Year
Eugenia Tijerino-Bendana says that learning English was one of her greatest personal achievements. Now an ESOL paraeducator, she can empathize with the challenges her students face, and takes special pride when they begin to master language skills. Tijerino-Bendana also earned her bachelor’s degree at 50, so she knows how important it is to never give up.
Administrators at Wendell Watson Elementary say Tijerino-Bendana provides invaluable support for the staff. She assists teachers by translating during parent conferences, and also translates notes to and from families, which ensures the school can communicate effectively with the entire community. In addition, she works alongside teachers to help reinforce the lessons taught in class. Because of her compassion, work ethic and knowledge, Tijerino-Bendana is making a difference at Wendell Watson.
