Marilyn Garcia Selected as 2022 New Teacher of the Year

The School District is proud to recognize Marilyn Garcia as the 2022 New Teacher of the Year. Garcia teaches 4th grade math at James Stephens Elementary School.

“It is an honor to receive this award and it would not have been possible without my mentor, principal, students, and family,” Garcia says. “My first year as a teacher was nothing short of amazing. I truly love what I do, and I cannot wait to meet my future students and make a difference in their lives.”

Garcia started as a paraprofessional at James Stephens Elementary in 2019. She did her teaching internship at the school before being hired as a long-term guest teacher last spring. She was hired as a full-time teacher at the start of this school year.

“Marilyn is an exceptional first year teacher,” says Assistant Principal Jacki Fantasia. “She works collaboratively with our math coach to deliver high quality, differentiated math instruction with incredible results. She seeks out feedback from her mentor teacher and applies strategies and instructional practices to improve her craft. They are a dynamic team who truly embody the idea of APPLES mentorship creating a supportive environment where new teachers can succeed at high levels.”

The Lee County New Teacher of the Year program recognizes newly certified personnel for the significant contributions they make to their school and The School District of Lee County. First year teachers were nominated by their administrators, a selection committee picked the finalists, and then interviewed them to choose the fourth annual award winner.