Tew named Bradford County Teacher of the Year
Published: February 18, 2006
After a long interview process, Donna Tew was named Bradford County’s Teacher of the Year.
Tew, who is Bradford High School’s reading coach, was selected by her fellow faculty members as the school’s Teacher of the Year.
She then had to answer, in writing, many questions provided by the Department of Education.
Following this was an interview process by a panel comprised of local and out-of-town people.
Tew had to go up against the other Teacher of Year recipients from each school in the county. This was how she was selected as Bradford’s Teacher of the Year.
If she would like to continue on into the regional competition, she has to submit a video of herself teaching and go through additional questioning. From there, five teachers will be selected to compete for Florida’s Teacher of the Year.
Unlike a traditional teacher, on a day-to-day basis she teaches the teachers.
Tew said she helps them set goals, learn the best researched teaching methods, realize their strengths and apply reading strategies to all curriculum areas.
She is certified in elementary and primary grades and is one step away from having her reading endorsement.
She has been reading coach for a total of four years, but only the last year has been at the high school.
It is her 24th year of teaching in Bradford County. Previously, she has taught at the elementary and middle school levels within the county.
She said the hardest part of her job is to help teachers with time management.
“It’s a challenge for them to find the time for everything they have to do,” she said.
Tew was very modest about her new title as Teacher of the Year, and said the group of people she works with deserve the credit.
“I like the group of teachers I work with,” she said. “They’re dedicated, hard working and willing to try new things.”
Because of this work ethic, she said, “I’m seeing lots of growth in our students.”
She said teachers are stepping up to the challenge of teaching today’s students and the reflection of that effort is seen in students’ improving test scores.
Tew appreciates the support staff and administrators, too. She said the administrators are helpful, knowledgeable and very supportive, while the support staff is always willing to help out.
Her job can be challenging at times, but Tew said she remembers playing school as a child in New Jersey and loved playing the teacher.
“I’ve known since fifth grade that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.
Tew moved from New Jersey to Bradford County and attended school here. She eventually married her husband, David.
Now, her whole family goes to school together during the day. Her son, Michael, is a senior at BHS, and her daughter, Kristen, is a sophomore.
When not at school, Tew usually has work to take home with her, but in her spare time, she likes to take naps and spend time with her family.
BHS Principal Karl Wendell said the honor that Tew has received, as well as the School-Related Employee of Year award given to Bill Aldridge, is a tribute to the kind of employees they have on campus.
“It’s flattering,” said Wendell. “Obviously, they’re both exceptional employees.”
Last year, there were two reading coaches, he said, and Tew had to step in and take on the work load of both of those employees. He said she has a great relationship with the teachers.
Wendell said they want to continuously improve their test scores.
“I think she’s going to really help us do that,” he said.
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