BARTOW (Jan. 28, 2013) The following school district employees have been named Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year at their respective schools and are candidates for the county-wide honor. The Polk County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year awards program will be held at Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland, FL 33810 on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The top teacher and school-related employee for Polk County Public Schools will be announced during the program. The school-related award honors employees in support roles such as paraeducators, secretaries, food service, custodial, transportation and other responsibilities. The two winners will be announced among 14 finalists (seven finalists for Teacher of the Year and seven finalists for the School-Related Employee). Finalists and winners receive cash and other prizes from event sponsors. The Polk Education Foundation provides financial support for the event along with numerous community sponsors.

Community members from local organizations and businesses judge nominee applications. Judges do not know nominees’ identities or the school where they work. Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees complete an application with categories that include leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement and teaching style.