Nine Polk County Schools teachers have been selected to receive 2026 Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards which will fund professional development experiences ranging from international travel to specialized literacy training.
The awards, administered by the Polk County Community Foundation, provide funding for professional development opportunities that enhance classroom instruction. Teachers submitted proposals for experiences that will strengthen their teaching practice and benefit students.
Three teachers will attend UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) training focused on literacy instruction: Beth Brangan from Polk Central Elementary, Jennifer Goforth from Saluda Elementary and Jennifer Schweitzer from Tryon Elementary. Their proposals focus on expanding literacy success through evidence-based reading instruction.
Four teachers will participate in international educational travel. Wendi Owens and Stephanie White from Tryon Elementary will visit Amsterdam, while Stefanie Tyler from Tryon Elementary and Jamie Weathers from Polk County Middle School will travel to Japan. These experiences will bring global perspectives and cultural knowledge back to their classrooms.
Lisa Chapman and Jessica Simo from Polk County Early College will attend the 2026 Early College Summit, gaining insights into best practices for early college programming and student success.
“Your commitment to education, your students, and our community is truly inspiring,” Superintendent Todd Murphy said. “We are grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation for providing these opportunities to our teachers every year.”
The Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards honor the legacy of Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater by supporting teachers who pursue professional growth that directly benefits their students and schools.
2026 Slater Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients:
- Beth Brangan, Polk Central Elementary School – Every Child a Reader: Expanding Literacy Success through UFLI Academy
- Lisa Chapman, Polk County Early College – 2026 Early College Summit
- Jennifer Goforth, Saluda Elementary School – Every Child a Reader: Expanding Literacy Success through UFLI Academy
- Wendi Owens, Tryon Elementary School – Visit to Amsterdam
- Jennifer Schweitzer, Tryon Elementary School – UFLI Foundations Academy
- Jessica Simo, Polk County Early College – 2026 Early College Summit
- Stefanie Tyler, Tryon Elementary School – Japan Educational Trip
- Jamie Weathers, Polk County Middle School – Japan Educational Trip
- Stephanie White, Tryon Elementary School – Visit to Amsterdam
