Marion County schools: Rookie Teacher of the Year, five Teacher of the Year finalists

Ocala Star-Banner
·1 min read

The annual caravan was on the road Friday, making surprise announcements at local schools. The Rookie Teacher of the Year was notified, as were the five finalists for 2023 Teacher of the Year.

The Golden Apple Gala will be held on Feb. 4, where the Teacher of the Year will be announced and honored.

Rookie Teacher of the Year

The Rookie Teacher of the Year is Hammett Bowen Elementary School autism spectrum disorder self contained teacher Jennefer Bachmaier.

Hammett Bowen Elementary School autism spectrum disorder self contained teacher Jennefer Bachmaier, center, with student Yahkeem Bird in tow, bottom, hugs her daughter Alexandria Armstrong on Friday.
Hammett Bowen Elementary School autism spectrum disorder self contained teacher Jennefer Bachmaier, center, with student Yahkeem Bird in tow, bottom, hugs her daughter Alexandria Armstrong on Friday.

Teacher of the Year finalists

The Teacher of the Year finalists are:

∙ Ocala Springs Elementary School first grade teacher Lindsey Bigelow

Ocala Springs Elementary School first grade teacher Lindsey Bigelow.
Ocala Springs Elementary School first grade teacher Lindsey Bigelow.

∙ Lake Weir High School Pre IB English teacher John Gibb

Lake Weir High School Pre IB English teacher John Gibb takes a selfie with last year's Teacher of the Year, Leah Bender.
Lake Weir High School Pre IB English teacher John Gibb takes a selfie with last year's Teacher of the Year, Leah Bender.

∙ Saddlewood Elementary School fourth grade teacher Cheryl Goldner

Saddlewood Elementary School fourth grade teacher Cheryl Goldner gets a hug from Principal Heather Lipira, right, after Goldner was surprised Friday.
Saddlewood Elementary School fourth grade teacher Cheryl Goldner gets a hug from Principal Heather Lipira, right, after Goldner was surprised Friday.

∙ Belleview Middle School health science teacher Nedra Huggins

Belleview Middle School health science teacher Nedra Huggins
Belleview Middle School health science teacher Nedra Huggins

∙ Maplewood Elementary School art teacher Jamie Roche

Maplewood Elementary School art teacher Jamie Roche, center, reacts as she is surprised by the Golden Apple Caravan on Friday. Superintendent of Schools Diane Gullett, left, surprises her with the Golden Apple as Principal Chrissy Carter, right, surprises her with flowers.
Maplewood Elementary School art teacher Jamie Roche, center, reacts as she is surprised by the Golden Apple Caravan on Friday. Superintendent of Schools Diane Gullett, left, surprises her with the Golden Apple as Principal Chrissy Carter, right, surprises her with flowers.

Also announced on Friday: School-Related Employee of the Year (Erin Webber, guidance clerk/front desk receptionist, Fort McCoy School;) and the Above and Beyond Award winner (Mark White, technical services/school maintenance, Vanguard High School.)

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion County Public Schools honors top teachers, employees