Parent Magazine Flagler March 2020 | Page 6

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N Flagler Education? Flagler Schools Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Named The 2020 Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year is Michelle Coolican. She is in her 13 th year teaching science at Buddy Taylor Middle School. She’s taught STEM and The 2020 Teacher and Support Employee of the Year science classes there, as well as acted as advisor for the for Flagler Schools were named during the district’s after-school STEM Club at BTMS. Michelle is a graduate annual gala celebration at Flagler Auditorium Thursday of Florida Atlantic University and attended Graduate night. In all, 10 educators and 16 support employees, school at the University of Florida. representing all the district’s schools and departments were on hand for the ceremony. On being named Teacher of the Year, she says “I work with an amazing administration, with these The 2020 Flagler Schools Support Employee of the unbelievably talented students that make my heart Year is Lynn Mellow, office specialist for the district’s happy every day. I just want to say thank you.” Adds Plant Services department. Lynn has worked for Flagler Superintendent Tager, “Michelle has the task of teaching Schools for 26 years, starting at Old Kings Elementary science to middle school students. That is not the easiest School and then moving to Plant Services, where she’s task in the world but she is able to connect with all been for the past 8 years. The Massapequa, New York students in a way that makes them excited about science native was obviously shocked when her name was while creating positive relationships.” announced. “Shocked. Total shock. I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name. It’s amazing.” Flagler Schools Both Mellow and Coolican now go on to represent Superintendent James Tager says “If you talk with Flagler Schools in the statewide Teacher and Support anyone in Plant Services, they’ll tell you the same thing. Employee of the Year competition. Lynn’s personality brightens up any situation she’s placed and she’s always willing to help out wherever she’s needed.” 4 | F L A G L E R parent M A G A Z I N E