M-DCPS’ TEACHER OF THE YEAR IS NATIONAL FINALIST
Pre-K special education teacher is one of four contenders for National Teacher of the Year

Alexandre Lopes, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Florida’s 2013 Teacher of the Year, was named one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Award by the Council of Chief State School Officers. He joins educators from Maryland, New Hampshire, and Washington in line for the national award.

The winner will be announced at a White House ceremony during National Recognition Week April 21-26, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

“M-DCPS continues to lead the rest of the country with an impressive array of honors and achievements for the school district at the state and national levels,” said Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of M-DCPS. “Alex’s honor comes on the heels of our 2012 Broad Prize honor and improved graduation rates for our high school seniors, and it is a testament to our educational excellence.”

Lopes, a prekindergarten special education teacher from Carol City Elementary School, was named 2013 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year and Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education in July 2012. He serves as an education advocate and goodwill ambassador representing teachers throughout the state.

The National Teacher of the Year Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. It began in 1952 and is the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The national winner is chosen from among state teachers of the year by a selection committee representing 15 national education organizations.

The winner is selected based on the following criteria: inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; play an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; be poised, articulate, and possess the energy to withstand a taxing schedule. Each year, the National Teacher of the Year is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States.

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