TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Three local teachers are among the finalists hoping to be recognized as America’s Favorite Teacher.
Teachers recognized include Lauren House from Stewart Street Elementary in Quincy, along with Constance Cordero from Leon High and Rebecca Bertoch from Riley Elementary in Tallahassee.
House is in second place in her group for the contest and hopes local support pushes her ahead in the final hours.
“I wanted the one to shed positive light on my school,” the Pre-K teacher said. “This is my home school. Born and reared right here in Gadsden County. This is my alma mater, where I went as a child.”
Meanwhile, Bertoch and Cordero are both in first place in their groups. Bertoch teaches students with diverse needs and Cordero is an ESE teacher at Leon after two decades teaching in Fort Myers.
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Cordero says its been really encouraging and motivating to remain in the race this long.
“I’ve had a lot of support from my family and friends, but also the school,” she said. “I have hung up flyers at the school with my students and my students’ family supporting me.”
Bertoch says she appreciates everyone who has voted and helped her get to where she is.
“Teaching is like my identity, honestly. Something I have always wanted to do and very proud to be able to do it, but to be recognized is even more important,” she said.
All three teachers hope to advance to the next round. They say prizes such as $25,000 and a visit from Bill Nye would go right back to the classroom.
There are several rounds in the voting process and the next ends Thursday evening.
If you’d like to vote for the teachers mentioned in this report, click below:
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