The teachers and staff at Ocean Palms Elementary have spoken, naming this year’s standouts — Stacy Crouch, Briana Sweeney and Jennifer Dean.
Crouch, named Teacher of the Year, is a pre-kindergarten teacher who has been at the school for the past four years. As a pre-kindergarten teacher, she loves how she gets to begin laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning for her students and enjoys engaging them as they grow and learn.
Sweeney, Rookie Teacher of the Year, is a varying exceptionalities teacher. New to OPE this year, her knack for creating a nurturing environment that creates a love for learning and willingness to make mistakes to learn and grow is an important part of her teaching philosophy. She believes it’s about the small wins each day.
Finally, Dean, School-Related Employee of the Year, is the school’s LEA clerk. From assistance in classrooms, to office help, to anything the school needs, Dean has been instrumental in the day-to-day happenings at OPE over the past six years. She enjoys working with the amazing staff and getting to interact with the students. That said, she believes the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
