Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children: the future leaders of our country. They are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated and understanding professionals that mold our children’s lives in a positive direction. We entrust our children with the teachers, and they affect their lives on a daily basis. Teacher Appreciation Week is a time for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.

Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 Monday, May 8th - Friday, May 12th.

Please see the drop-down menu below for eligibility requirements. The nomination form is now closed as of 11:59 p.m. on March 10, 2023.

FGCU College of Education Teacher of Excellence Awards

The FGCU College of Education celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week by recognizing FGCU COE Alumni who are outstanding teachers. Nominations for the Teacher of Excellence Awards are now open. Winners of the award are announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8th - 12th, 2023.

Eligibility and Nomination Requirements
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- Nominee must be a graduate from the FGCU in the College of Education
- Nominee must have at least three years of teaching experience prior to January 2023
- Nominee must currently be a teacher/teaching instructor (Administrators and non-instructional personnel are not eligible)
- Only a peer, mentor, colleague, administrator or student may nominate a graduate of the College of Education (Familial nominators and self-nominations will no longer be accepted)
- Supporting evidence that showcases teaching excellence is also required for consideration; examples of supporting evidence include photographs, curriculum-related documents, and/or a testimonial review from a student or parent or a student (please see nomination form for more details)
- Finalists are selected by a panel of FGCU College of Education faculty and staff

2022 FGCU College of Education Teacher of Excellence Award Winners

Venus Ibarra, 1st grade teacher, Tortuga Preserve Elementary School | Class of 2012

Maria Salinas, 5th grade teacher, Lake Trafford Elementary School | Class of 2006

Shannon Richardson, ESE teacher, Cypress Lake Middle School | Class of 2021

Salena Langkopp, Pre-K, Coralwood School | Class of 2017