PCPS Announces District 7 Finalists for 2024-25 Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
Awards season is here! Congratulations to our first group of finalists for the 2024-25 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.
From District 7:
- Jacqueline Chavira, Teacher of the Year finalist, second-grade teacher, Polk City Elementary
- Janet Miller, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, night custodian, Lake Gibson Senior High
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. 8 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.
Jacqueline Chavira, Polk City Elementary, District 7 Teacher of the Year
Jacqueline Chavira is known for extraordinary devotion to her students. She has a knack for building relationships with students and their families, and gets to know each child’s needs, using research, data and varying strategies to help them succeed. At Polk City Elementary she hosts after-school book clubs and tutoring sessions to help students progress in their studies. Her analytical and caring approach to education leads to results in the classroom.
Administrators praise Chavira for the way she maintains communication with parents and keeps them involved. She also mentors and collaborates with colleagues, and regularly hosts teacher interns. Outside of school, she coaches cheerleading. Without a doubt, she is a valuable member of the Polk City Elementary community.
Janet Miller, Lake Gibson Senior High, District 7 School-Related Employee of the Year
Janet Miller’s impact on Lake Gibson High goes well beyond keeping the school clean. Students and staff love her positivity and smile, and look forward to seeing her on campus every day. Miller says personal interactions are some of the best parts of her job. She’s always willing to listen and offer encouragement when someone is having a tough time.
Miller doesn’t hesitate to work overtime or help with special events at school. She takes her job seriously, and knows it plays a big part in the health and safety of everyone on campus. In addition, she often cooks for the other nighttime custodians and volunteers at her church. Lake Gibson High is fortunate to have her.
