Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Dorina Sackman, an ESOL language arts teacher at Westridge Middle School in Orlando, is a 2014 Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year finalist. She is one of five educators from throughout the state who will compete for the title. Florida’s Teacher of the Year will be named on July 11, 2013 at Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando.
“It’s my honor to recognize Dorina Sackman as a Teacher of the Year finalist. We worked with legislators to help ensure that Florida teachers get a well deserved pay raise, because we have outstanding teachers in Florida. Thanks to all of Florida educators for their exceptional dedication and commitment to our student’s achievement,” Scott said.
“The ability to transform children’s lives is the highest privilege any of us can aspire to,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett. “Dorina Sackman brings compassion and inspiration to her classroom which encourages her students to become lifelong learners.”
A 14-year educator, Dorina Sackman has been teaching at Westridge Middle School for the past three years and until earlier this year, was an adjunct professor of ESOL at Valencia and Seminole State colleges. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Siena College in French with a concentration in International Economics, and a Master’s degree in ESL/Applied Linguistics from University of Massachusetts Boston. Dorina is actively involved in her community and works
