Two Outstanding Educator Finalists Announced in Tarpon Springs

Out of six finalists, the 2012-13 Outstanding Educator of the Year will be announced at the annual Evening of Excellence, presented by the Pinellas Education Foundation, on February 25 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. 

Two of the finalists are teaching young students right here in Tarpon Springs:

Jennifer Anderson is a Language Arts and Reading teacher at East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs. According to a press release, Anderson is a 25-year veteran of Pinellas County Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and earned her Reading and English as a Second Language Endorsements. Anderson is also a member of the school’s Literacy Leadership Team, a K-12 Reading facilitator, a Model Classroom Teacher and an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Site Team member.

Jennifer Klimis is a K-5 Gifted Program teacher and case manager at Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary and is a nine-year veteran of Pinellas County Schools, according to the release. Klimis holds an associate’s degree from St. Petersburg College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She is currently working toward her master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. Klimis is the school’s facilitator for the ACCEL Team and the School-wide Enrichment Model. She leads the school’s morning news program, an accelerated math club and a creativity club.

Brought to the area by the Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools, the Evening of Excellence is an annual event pays tribute to the best educators and business partners who create ever-expanding opportunities for Pinellas County’s children. 

The night is also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of a business leader who is inducted into the Pinellas Free Enterprise Hall of Honor, in recognition of his/her community service and advocacy for education.

In addition, Pinellas County School's Unsung Hero is also recognized and honored at the event.

The Pinellas Education Foundation is an independent, non governmental not-for-profit established in 1986. The Foundation’s mission is to provide enhanced educational opportunities for students and educators in Pinellas County Public Schools.

Well known Pinellas Education Foundation programs include: Enterprise Village, Finance Park, Youth Connect, Doorways Scholarships and Teacher Classroom Grants.