Debi DePasquale, AICE English Lang and AICE Global Perspectives teacher, has been nominated to represent the north region as the Teacher of the Year and is eligible to win the Florida Teacher of the Year award.

Starting in 1967, the North Region Teacher of the Year award is an honor that recognizes excellence in the teaching field. The program’s goal is to acknowledge excellence and improve teaching.

“Teachers from across the state gather to learn more about mentoring other teachers with the goal of positively affecting outcomes in the classroom beyond their own,” Florida Teachers of the Year said on their website.

As North Region Teacher of the Year, DePasquale can meet with other region winners and get the opportunity to enhance their teaching skills with resources like professional expert speakers.

DePasquale has shown a lot of gratitude in regards to receiving this award.

“I work with so many amazing teachers that are great in their fields and I didn’t realize people knew the extra things I do,” DePasquale said.

DePasquale has always been there for her students, whether it’s staying after school to tutor, teaching summer school or being there for her students.

For one student, DePasquale got her friends and family members to donate essentials like linens and towels that they did not have the means to get when they went off to college. These acts of kindness show her tendency to take action making her fit for this award.

“Ms. Depasquale is an amazing teacher,” Colleen Iannitti, principal, said. “She is totally committed to not only the students that she teaches on a daily basis, but all Jupiter High School students.” 

Depasquale has been described as someone who takes action and goes out of her way to help students succeed.

“She will tutor students that aren’t in her class,” Iannitti said. “She’s always available before school, during lunch and after school to help any student that needs support.” 

This award is seen as an honor, as Depasquale is being recognized as the Teacher of the Year for all schools in the north region.

“An award like this shows that the teachers at Jupiter truly care about their community and the students here,” Iannitti said.