Monroe County School District recently issued the following announcement.
Zachary Owens of Coral Shores High School has been named as the Monroe County School District Teacher of the Year. Mr. Owens teaches various math classes, is the coach for the Academic Challenge Team, girls JV soccer and tennis team, a club sponsor for National Honor Society and Chess Club and holds after school tutoring sessions. When he’s not in the classroom or on a playing field, he may be in the local waters as he is a certified master scuba diver trainer.
"I was very happy to announce Zach as the Monroe County School District Teacher of the Year, stated Axford. "After looking at a video of one of his lessons, it was clear to me how well he established rapport with students and how accountable he held them for learning. He is an excellent example of the fine teachers throughout our county."
Axford made the announcement at CSHS in front of Owen's colleagues and students. Their excitement for his distinguished honor was evident by the applause and cheers of congratulations.
“Zach’s door is always open to help students,” stated CSHS principal Laura Lietart. “Everything he does is for kids, helping them succeed and reach their full potential.”
Owens earned a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Florida Gulf Coast University and began teaching for MCSD in 2015 at Plantation Key School. He moved to CSHS in 2020 where he has taught Algebra I and II, Geometry and Math for College Readiness. He’s engaged in professional development, most recently training for the Mathematic B.E.S.T. Standards and has designed and implemented lessons aligned to the new standards using an abundance of teaching strategies to meet the needs of his students. Colleagues state his jovial, positive attitude helps students to understand and master the content as well as the importance of working hard to achieve success. He is a role model to others and goes above and beyond in all he does.
The selection committee noted his outstanding school and community involvement, his expertise in subject area content, and the relationships he builds with students that help them both in the classroom and in life are the main reasons that made him standout from the other excellent candidates.
Original source can be found here.
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