2 Teachers Get a Surprise Visit from Polk County Public Schools Highlighting Their Work

POLK COUNTY, FL — Two school employees at R. Clem Churwell Elementary and Rochelle School of the Arts in Lakeland received surprise visits from the Polk County Public Schools District Thursday, a news release said.

Kailyn Reynolds — Keller, is a physical education (PE) teacher at Churchwell in district 5. PCPS staff members announced to her at the school presenting her with a banner she is a finalist for the 2022 Polk County Teacher of the Year

Reynolds-Keller takes pride in finding different opportunities and activities for her students, the surprise patrol staff said. She encourages them to participate in special events like the Kids Heart Challenge. Over the past six years, Churchwell Elementary has raised more than $19,000 for the American Heart Association. Reynolds-Keller’s students also take part in the InnerAct Alliance Red Ribbon Run to help fight substance abuse. In addition, she invites the Tampa Bay Lightning’s street hockey team to conduct interactive lessons on campus.

“Much of my success is from building relationships with students when they first arrive, whether that’s in kindergarten, fifth grade or anywhere in between,” she said. “Through these relationships mutual respect is built, and they can come to PE class to have fun, be safe and learn.”

The second surprise announcement took place at Rochelle announcing Tiffany Berrien, a PE paraeducator as a school—related employee finalist. Berrien was also presented with a banner.

As a former collegiate and semi-pro basketball player, Berrien brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as basketball coach for Rochelle’s boys and girls teams, school staff said. Along with basketball instruction, she spends time tutoring students, helping them with their schoolwork. Her focus is to create a positive environment where students will work hard and strive for success.

“All of these events have had a positive impact on my students,” she said. “They are excited to learn new things associated with being physically active.”

Brief profiles of these two finalists can be found at this Facebook page along with photos.

More surprise patrols will take place in November as the surprise patrol travels around Polk County to recognize the finalists from each of the seven districts. The overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards, which will take place on Jan. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

The Polk Education Foundation and the district’s Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships collaborate to present this annual event.

During the event, nominees will be recognized with video tributes and receive sponsored gifts. The Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will receive a cash prize donated by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.