Osceola Magnet Elementary School fourth grade teacher, Cheryl Conley, was just named the 20100 Florida Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the Year! Conley, an Indian River County resident and educator, was chosen among the five state finalists. She was recognized for her unfaltering dedication to her students, goal-oriented teaching style, and proven ability to inspire students.

As the teacher of the year, Conley will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. With this position, she will visit schools around the state and share information on educational opportunities and challenges in Florida.

The finalists were: Kelly Burnette (Yulee High School, Nassau County), Zachary Champagne (Mandarin Oaks Elementary School, Duval County), Cristine O’Hara (Palmetto Middle School, Miami-Dade County) and Allan Phipps (South Plantation High School, Broward County). Conley, along with the finalists, received a monetary prize, as well as money to be used towards their respective schools’ educational programs.

The Florida Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the Year award “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 background and abilities.”

For more information, visit www.fldoe.org/profdev/yeartch.asp.