Editor’s note: The poll is closed. Scroll down for the winner.
Welcome to the second year of TCPalm’s Teacher of the Week competition.
TCPalm wants to recognize Treasure Coast teachers making a difference for their students and schools. Readers — parents, administrators, students, community members and other teachers ― nominate their favorite teachers each week. TCPalm lists four nominated teachers and asks readers to vote for their favorite to be named Teacher of the Week.
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Payton Cleveland, teacher at Saint Edward’s School in Indian River County.
TCPalm invites you to support your favorite teacher by voting in this poll. Then revisit it to learn about the amazing teachers on the Treasure Coast.
Voting began at 5 a.m. Sunday and ended at noon Friday. Visit this page after voting closes to find out who won.
Scroll down below the poll to see information about each of this week’s teachers.
Payton Cleveland, St. Edward’s School, Indian River County
What the nominator said: “He is nice, understanding, and always helps and gives second chances when needed.”
Deborah Palagonia, Morningside Elementary, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Ms. Palagonia is an amazing teacher! She is one of the ESE teachers at Morningside Elementary. She has worked with two of my sons, and she has/had so much patience with them. Both of my boys love her! My youngest, who is still in her class, told me she’s one of his favorite teachers! I love that the ESE teachers at Morningside are kind, supportive, and caring! They want to see your child succeed! Thank you, Ms. Palagonia!”
Mary Preston, John Carroll High School, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “I am honored to nominate my former teacher for Teacher of the Week because she truly embodies warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication. From the moment you walk into her classroom, you feel welcomed, valued, and supported. She has a remarkable way of making every student feel seen and loved, creating a safe space where everyone can grow with confidence. Her guidance goes far beyond academics; she listens, encourages, and believes in us.”
Jessica Siewerth, Sebastian Elementary School, Indian River County
What the nominator said: “Jessica is an extremely dedicated pre-K ESE special-needs teacher. She wanted to be a teacher from a very young age, received top honors in college and has been teaching special-needs students for nine years. She has a natural ability to teach young children with special needs through her enormous amount of patience and love for her students. She is able to direct her classroom in a fun way, keeping their attention, enabling them to progress and learn.”
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Winner announced in the TCPalm Teacher of the Week poll (June 21-26)
Reporting by Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers | USA TODAY Network
