Music Teacher Named Sarasota County Teacher Of Year

SARASOTA, FL — Oak Park music teacher Shane Swezey, who regularly plays songs and sings with his students as part of the learning experience, was named Sarasota County's Teacher of the Year for 2o19.

"He uses the music to cue certain words," said district officials. "When the student looks back and says the word in question, that’s part of what makes his job so worthwhile."

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Swezey was one of three Sarasota County teachers named as finalists for the honor back on Nov. 13—one each from an elementary school, middle school and high school. The other 2019 finalists were Tessa Healy of Wilkinson Elementary School and Ashlee Middleton of Sarasota High School.

The district's 2019 Teacher of the Year was announced Wednesday at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s Ignite Education Awards Celebration by Sarasota County Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Todd Bowden. A crowd of more than 330 listened as the superintendent praised the entire field of 44 nominees for the work they do in their classrooms every day.

The Education Foundation presented Swezey with a $2,500 cash award and Healy and Middleton each with cash awards of $1,250. Sunset Automotive Group sponsored the cash awards.

“Your dedication for your profession, love for your students and pride in your schools are incredibly admirable qualities," said Jennifer Vigne, president of the Education Foundation in thanking district teachers for their hard work. "You truly go the distance every day, and it is our hope that our community continues to recognize your value and lift you up.”

The Ignite Innovation award was given to Todd Brown, civics teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep. The award recognizes a Teacher of the Year who is creative in their approach, willing to think outside the box and able to connect students with learning in unique ways.

Brown, who has a doctorate in computational sociology, creates experiential learning opportunities in his classes and was creator of The Inspire Project, a lecture/presentation series about student leadership-based initiatives of local and global impact.

Sarasota attorney Dan Bailey received the Alumni of Distinction award. That award goes to a graduate of Sarasota County Schools who has earned distinction in their field and in community service. The class of 1964 graduate from Sarasota High School is a partner in the Williams Parker firm.

Swezey will represent Sarasota County Schools at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program and will serve as a spokesperson and teacher representative at various events throughout 2019.

"It's a privilege and an honor not just to work with these kids but to be a part of this school and to be a part of the Oak Park family," said Swezey, who initially studied aerospace engineering at Florida State University. He changed his mind — and his major — after volunteering with special needs children.

The district's annual Teacher Tribute Tour team travels to each finalist’s school together on a bus to announce the finalists.

This year’s team included Superintendent Todd Bowden, Sarasota County School Board members, Education Foundation President Jennifer Vigne, the 2018 Teacher of the Year finalists — Es Swihart, Allison Cohen and Bethany Burnett — as well as other representatives of the foundation and school district, sponsors and special guests.

The team congratulated finalists as students, principals and fellow teachers helped celebrate the honorees at each location.

Swezey has provided music education and therapy services to students from 5 to 22 at Oak Park School, the district’s center school for special needs.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Florida State University and a master’s in music from the University of Kentucky. Swezey is a board-certified music therapist and earned his teaching certification from State College of Florida.

“Music is an engaging, motivating and accessible medium that I can use to buttress the communication, motor, social-emotional and unique academic goals my students have,” said Swezey, who has been a teacher at Oak Park since 2013.

As a staunch advocate for students with special needs, Swezey prefers to focus on the abilities of his students rather than dwell on their disabilities.

District officials said Swezey is able to quickly build rapport and engage his students using "highly creative methods" that encourage learning gains such as improved eye contact and interaction with peers.

“Whether you’re a student, teacher, principal, successful business person or stay-at-home mom,” Swezey explained. “Don’t forget to look around and love those you see every day because it can make an eternal difference.”

Watch this fun video of what Sarasota children had to say about their teachers:

Photo and video courtesy Sarasota County Schools