Thank you for following us over the last month to learn more about the secret sauce of SYF…our Educators!
We would like to recognize previous Administrators and Teachers of the Year to close the year and announce the 2022 recipients of SYF’s highest honor.
SYF is honored to support the most dedicated and talented educators who ensure students reach graduation day! By providing resources for educators, SYF helps them do what they do best…educate and support students. Since 2015, SYF has provided $1.1 million to the academies’ capacity-building grants specific to support the work being done within the academies. Each November, SYF hosts a conference exclusive to academy educators to provide professional development, continuing education credits, self-care, and what they deserve…old-fashion pampering! Learn more about how your investment in SYF says yes to educators by following this blog featuring our 2022 nominees and by visiting Investing in Educators.
SYF Administrator and Teacher of the Year Alumni
2022 Recipients
Andrea Neely (left), SYF President and CEO, poses with 2022 Administrator of the Year, Tammi Broadus, from Simon Youth Academy at Greenfield-Central Schools (Greenfield, Ind.)
Say Yes to Educators by donating to Facebook’s matching recurring campaign or directly to Say Yes to SYF Educators!
We would love to hear from you. If a special teacher impacted your life, please leave your story in the comment box below.
Cassandra Silvers from Simon Youth Academy at Port Charlotte Town Center and Simon Youth Academy on
Cochran
Cassandra has taken the reins in a leadership role on many initiatives at The Academy, including enhancing student learning through her grant-funded garden, overseeing the Wellness Committee, PBIS, and serving on The Academy’s PPC. She blends real-world lessons into her lessons to help students understand the importance of her lessons.
David Stango from Simon Youth Rose Tree Media Academy
David joined the SYA during a challenging time, right in the middle of a pandemic, and was able to navigate coming into a new position while supporting our students virtually, in person, and during a hybrid model. He supports our students’ academics in high school and works with them to plan for a post-graduation plan.
Adrienne Meeks from Simon Youth Academy at Orlando Marketplace
Adrienne, or Nicole as she is known at the Academy, participates in every spirit week and even creates opportunities for students to feel safe and participate. She has always been an enthusiastic teacher, but when she arrived at SYA, she knew this place was finally home.
Stacy Rutana from Simon Youth Mahoning County Academy
Stacy is a true team player and goes out of her way to support her coworkers personally and professionally. She strives to create a positive and fun school culture and climate.
Rebecca Greenwood from Simon Youth Academy at Port Charlotte Town Center and Simon Youth Academy on Cochran
Rebecca constantly connects with students and staff to create the best school environment possible. She has improved school culture and climate by improving our facilities, connecting with students and staff, and improving academic performance by holding staff and students to a high standard.
Idowu Ikudabo from Simon Youth Academy at McKinley Alternative School
Idowu personally takes an interest in every student that enters our programs. He pushes our students to be honest with him and models this behavior.
Kate Caffee from Simon Youth Academy on Cochran, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Kate has arranged for the marine center to come to our school once a month to lead our students in hands-on marine lessons, which can lead to respect for marine life and the impact humans can have on the marine ecosystem. Kate creates a climate and culture in her classroom of respect and acceptance.
Todd Grimes from Simon Youth Academy at Greenfield-Central Schools, Greenfield, Ind.
As the lead teacher, Todd also serves as a school counselor, program director, data manager, interior designer, confidant, father figure, gym teacher, and yoga instructor, to name a few. Students seek him out for academic, social, and emotional support.
His most admirable attribute as an educator is his innate ability to build rapport with students.
Mike Bernicchi from Simon Youth Academy on Cochran, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Mike invests time and energy into getting to know his students and building trusting and meaningful relationships. Mike teaches his students to try to understand others’ viewpoints rather than argue their own opinion and to use critical thinking skills to navigate and better understand the world around them.
Tammi Broadus from Simon Youth Academy at Greenfield-Central Schools, Greenfield, Ind.
Tammi’s dedication to and concern for the best interests of our students is exemplary. She constantly seeks out creative ways to best meet the diverse needs of our students.
Say Yes to Educators by donating Facebook’s matching recurring campaign or directly to Say Yes to SYF Educators!
