Two Polk County Teachers Surprised As School Finalists For 2022 Polk County Teacher awards

POLK COUNTY, FL — Two District 4 teachers were greeted Thursday by the Polk County Public Schools surprise patrol team congratulating them as 2022 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

Ashley Brannon, a curriculum coach at Karen M. Siegel Academy, has been nominated as 2022 Polk County Teacher of the Year.

As a curriculum coach/resource teacher, she helps other teachers use best practices in their classrooms so that students can succeed, a news release said. She also implemented a school wide writing program so that every student can express themselves through text, no matter what their disability may be.

Brannon helps with the planning and chaperoning of extracurricular activities and special events at her school, including prom, graduation and seasonal events. In addition, she volunteers her time to assist new educators from neighboring schools, helping them study for certification exams and sharing strategies that will benefit their students.

“My community, school and students provide me with so much happiness,” Brannon said. “My only hope is that I can one day repay them with the same.”

John Winghart, school safety guardian at Brigham Academy, has been named a school—related employee of the year finalist.

Administrators at Brigham Academy said Winghart has celebrity status at the school.

He has amazing rapport with students and staff, who regard him as a role model and true gentleman, school officials said. He is committed to keeping the campus safe, constantly patrolling the grounds and checking gates, a news release said. He also takes additional measures like escorting kindergarteners to class and staying late if he thinks a situation might warrant extra security.

Outside of his regular duties, Winghart is a divemaster who volunteers his time with programs that teach students underwater diving. He also tries to keep up at 5Ks with Brigham’s running club.

The retired shop foreman and hazmat team commander said he learned a lot in his new career as a school safety guardian.

The job “has allowed me to interact and be surprised daily with the new encounters and open sincerity children share,” Winghart said. “It has been a truly unique and rewarding opportunity. It is an honor for me.”

More surprise patrols will occur as the team 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, 5:30 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.