District Partners and Programs  |  Recognition Programs  

Broward County Teacher of the Year 2010

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The Office or Parents, Business and Community Partnerships coordinates the nomination and selection of the Broward County Teacher of the Year and the Finalists. > Teacher of the Year Nomination Form (PDF 1.25MB)

Nomination packets are sent to school principals at the beginning of each school year. Selection processes may differ by school. Each school then submits their nominee to its area office. Through a selection process made up of school and district based personnel, and parents, the four Area Office’s then submits the top two candidates from their area to the Office or Parents, Business and Community Partnerships. These eight candidates become the Broward County Teacher of the Year Finalists.

The eight finalists are then put through a vigorous selection and interview process, with the winner being named at the Teacher of the Year Appreciation and Recognition luncheon. The Teacher of the Year appreciation and recognition luncheon is an opportunity for the district to honor all teachers and their commitment and dedication to Broward’s students.

Tony Dutra - 2010 Teacher of the Year
 Hallandale Adult Community Center

Tony Dutra, a reading teacher at Hallandale Adult Community Center, says his teaching philosophy is inspired by the words of Mahatma Gandi, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” The goal of this 11-year teacher is to be the consummate 21st Century teacher for his students. After earning his a Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), he went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, again from FAU.

tony dutra

Dutra has successfully merged his passion for both ESE and technology to benefit not only his students, but others across the District. As a former ESE student himself, Dutra knows how painful it can feel to be “pulled out of class” for special help. He designed and developed a project, in collaboration with Educational Technology Services, which enables ESE and ELL (English Language Learner) students to see and hear text simultaneously, through the use of a portable media player. Gifted students load software and course content on the media players, training the ESE and ELL students how to use the players and serve as mentors. The project creates a “portable classroom” for the students. By the end of the initial testing period, reading proficiency among the ESE students improved by 30 words per minute. Dutra has presented the project at various conferences and was awarded the Microsoft U.S. Innovative Teacher of the Year Award.

Dutra is known for his ability to foster a “can-do” attitude in his students and co-workers. He always goes above and beyond and thrives on learning, teaching and bettering the lives of his students.

> Meet the 2010 Broward County Teacher of the Year Finalists


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