Polk County Public Schools is proud to announce our Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year!

Elizabeth Ashmore, a third-grade teacher at Padgett Elementary, is the 2024 Polk County Teacher of the Year.

Richard Reich, the registrar at East Area Adult School, is the district’s School-Related Employee of the Year.

Profiles of each winner can be found below.

Ashmore and Reich will each receive cash prizes generously donated by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, custom rings by Herff Jones, as well as other gifts. As Teacher of the Year, Ashmore will also receive a cash prize from Jarrett Gordon Ford.

Both winners will move on to compete for state titles. Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a statewide Teacher of the Year, and a School-Related Employee of the Year.

PCPS celebrated Ashmore, Reich and many of the district’s other outstanding employees during tonight’s Inspire Awards at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. PCPS also recognized the district’s Principal of the Year, Wanda Aponte from Lake Marion Creek Middle; as well as the Assistant Principal of the Year, Gian Monacelli from Mulberry High.

The Inspire Awards are presented by the Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships.

Platinum sponsors for the event are MIDFLORIDA Credit Union and Jarrett Gordon Ford. Gold sponsors include: Aramark, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, Boswell & Dunlap, Legoland Florida Resort, Mosaic, Publix Super Markets Charities and TECO.

Elizabeth Ashmore — 2024 Polk County Teacher of the Year award winner profile:

Elizabeth Ashmore used to count her degrees and certifications among her most significant accomplishments. But as a PCPS educator, she takes even more pride in how she uses that knowledge to benefit her students and school. Ashmore has deep connections to Padgett Elementary: Her mother and sister both served there as teachers. It’s no surprise that she contributes so much to the school.

Ashmore serves as a teacher ambassador, providing support and mentorship to new educators at Padgett. In addition, administrators say she takes special care to consider the unique needs of each student, and celebrate their progress. About eight years ago she created a program called Level Up that helps encourage positive behavior, and ease testing pressure. Ashmore also helps organize parent nights and other events at Padgett. When it comes to doing the little things that make a big difference, that’s where she excels.

Richard Reich — 2024 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year award winner profile:

Richard Reich was once a GED student himself, so he understands the importance of adult education and helping people succeed in life. As the registrar at East Area Adult School, he enjoys being part of a team that keeps the campus running smoothly. He played an essential role during COVID of assisting students with the transition to online learning. He also has spent time doing research and making improvements to services for East Area students.

Administrators say Reich is part of the reason why East Area’s enrollment has increased. They also can rely on him for his technology and data expertise. Perhaps best of all, Reich is known around campus as an empathetic friend and colleague who is always willing to offer his knowledge and support. Whether it’s fellow employees or East Area students, he just wants to see other people flourish.

Congratulations to the PCPS finalists for Teacher of the Year: Christina Wainwright (Medulla Elementary), Sherrie Blackwood (Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy), Kelly Larrow (Mulberry Middle), Robert Brown (Winter Haven High) Kara Holt (Sleepy Hill Middle), and Kelsea Matthews (Pinewood Elementary).

And congratulations to our district’s finalists for School-Related Employee of the Year: Teri Whitehead-Richardson (Lakeland High), Alberto L. Cosme (Boone Middle), Angela Love (Fort Meade-Middle Senior), Debra Glisson (Griffin Elementary), Matthew Brojanowski (Roosevelt Academy), and Laura Kovachy (Lake Gibson Middle).