OCPS Teacher of the Year Snags Macy’s Magic of Teaching Award

What a year it has been for Freedom High School chorus teacher Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (Mr. Won).  In February 2012, he was selected to be Orange County Public Schools 2013 Teacher of the Year. Then in another surprise announcement during the 2013 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year awards gala he received the Magic of Teaching Award. Macy’s Magic of Teaching award is presented to a teacher who goes beyond the basic job description and displays a unique ability to continue positive growth in students.

Outside of his classroom time, Mr. Won created the “Class Voice Program.” He offers students private singing lessons which, in turn gives them scholarship opportunities. And to date, Mr. Won has helped his students secure more than $850,000 in scholarships.

Mr. Won has been a chorus teacher at Freedom High School for three years. In those three years, he has built a choral program that enjoys state, national, and international renown. Mr. Won says he was saved by a teacher in his past, so he lives every day to do the same. Tesfa was honored with the Macy’s Magic of Teaching award and a $1,000 Macy’s gift card.