LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- The School District of Lee County made a special trip to an elementary school in Alva on Tuesday to make surprise announcement of their Teacher of the Year.
Chasey Niebrugge, an Intensive Intervention Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher at River Hall Elementary School in Alva, was recognized as the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins presented her with a plaque and Board Members and District personnel presented her with flowers and gifts donated by local businesses.
“Ms. Niebrugge loves what she does. You can see that in her work. It is the love for children, passion for the work, and energy for the job that sets apart good teachers from great teachers,” praised Dr. Adkins.
A large crowd of parents, Board Members, District administrators and fellow River Hall staff members surprised Ms. Niebrugge with the honor during Field Day.
“I’ve always wanted to teach, this is my passion. I’m meant to be with these kids. They deserve the recognition,” said Niebrugge.
Ms. Niebrugge was nominated by her Assistant Principal, Elizabeth Vickery, who says “Ms. Niebrugge is a well-respected teacher. Her only goal is student success, which includes achievement both inside and outside the classroom.”
Ms. Niebrugge was selected out of 49 nominees. She will now represent Lee County in Florida’s Teacher of the Year program which recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
