BCPS Names Teacher of the Year at 2022 Caliber Awards Ceremony

Caliber Awards Winners

Seema Naik, a fourth grade teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, was named Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Teacher of the Year at the 2022 Caliber Awards Ceremony this evening at the DVR PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.  

BCPS also announced its top principal, assistant principal and school-related employee at the annual event honoring more than 500 dedicated and talented nominees, semi-finalists and 14 extraordinary finalists for their exceptional leadership and hard work. More than 1,000 guests attended the event with hundreds more viewing the livestream.  

Congratulations to the 2022 Caliber Awards winners for their innovative leadership and exemplary contributions to students, schools and communities.

Teacher of the Year 

Seema Naik  

Eagle Ridge Elementary School  

Seema Naik, a teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, started her career in education 10 years ago – first as a volunteer so she could be involved in her daughters’ education. She then applied to become a cafeteria aide and teacher assistant before becoming a primary grade teacher.  

“Anyone can take money from your hands, but not your education.” These powerful words spoken by Naik’s parents many years ago shaped her philosophy on education. Naik believes all children have the right to quality education to empower them with critical thinking skills, collaboration strategies and self-confidencw to reach their goals. “The next generation requires teachers to foster a desire for lifelong learning because of the current technology-dominated era,” said Naik. As part of a family of musicians from India, Naik uses her passion for music to enhance her instruction to create songs and chants with lyrics that incorporate lesson content for her students.  

“In my experience as a school leader, there are only a few teachers I would consider to be a pioneer. It is clear-cut in my mind that Mrs. Naik is a STEM pioneer in the education world,” said Eagle Ridge Elementary Principal Lindsey Sierra. “She has led Eagle Ridge in creating new STEM opportunities for our students.” 

 

Principal of the Year 

Heilange Porcena  

North Side Elementary School  

With 26 years working in BCPS, Heilange Porcena believes that positive relationships are the key to success. “We have the power to change a life,” said Porcena. The power of a positive and collaborative school culture was made evident when North Side Elementary School’s grade moved from an “F” to a “C” in just one year. From teacher assistant to principal, Porcena inspires students by building a strong foundation and developing interpersonal skills, encouraging them to become productive members of society. Born in Haiti, Porcena migrated to the United States at the age of six, unable to speak English. This did not deter her from fulfilling her dreams and aspirations. Through her leadership in education, Porcena enjoys the privilege of being able to give back to her community and show that dreams do become reality. 

“Ms. Porcena passionately pursues excellence to ensure the academic and social emotional needs for each one of her scholars,” said her director Jacquelyn Haywood. “She inspires her staff, serves as a mentor, and encourages teachers and students to become leaders.” 

Assistant Principal of the Year 

Derek Gordon  

Western High School  

Derek Gordon is one of only two assistant principals in BCPS who started his career as a visual arts teacher. A strong believer in personalizing the learning experience, Gordon’s educational philosophy includes a partnership with his students. Overseeing the Exceptional Student Education department at Western High School, he ensures that his most vulnerable students are learning and succeeding. “The next generation needs to have the ability to adapt to new situations and master new tools and technologies quickly.”

“The impact of Derek’s work can be seen not only at Western, but across the county,” said Western High Principal Jimmy Arrojo. “Derek was part of a team that created a program called Personalization for Academic and Social-Emotional Learning. The movement was designed to personalize the learning experience for every student, creating an environment where they feel valued.”

School-Related Employee of the Year 

Kimberly Kummler  

Manatee Bay Elementary School  

“Children are like snowflakes, each one unique in their own way of learning,” said Kimberly Kummler, school nurse at Manatee Bay Elementary School for the last four years. Kummler embraces uniqueness and focuses on their individual strengths when educating the next generation. Knowing the importance of mental health in the growth and development of students, she is humbled to work with students to provide the best learning opportunity for each student. 

“Nurse Kim quickly earned a reputation of being extremely flexible, caring and fun, but also very thorough,” said Manatee Bay Elementary Principal Heather Hedman-DeVaughn. “When COVID-19 presented itself, she rose to a new level of support and was extremely knowledgeable, supportive and visible.”

The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting Caliber Awards sponsors include Aetna, Bank of America, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association, Broward Teachers Union, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, PNC Bank and Royal Caribbean Group.   

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 ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS  

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”   

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools and download the free BCPS mobile app. 

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