Felicia Vanacore '13 has received a Teacher of the Year Award and a Coin of Recognition while teaching kindergarten in Orlando, Fla.
Geneseo alumna Felicia Vanacore '13 is making a mark as an elementary school kindergarten teacher in the Orlando, Florida, area.
Last year, she received a Teacher of the Year/Glass Apple Award at Lake Weston Elementary School, a major achievement since it was only her third year as a teacher. And this year, the Orange County Public School District granted Vanacore a coveted Coin of Recognition for a video she produced with her class focused on a new reading approach called DPLC (District Professional Learning Community). The Curriculum and Instructional Department grants the coin for hard work and contributions to the district professional learning community.
“I truly love teaching and have Geneseo to thank for all of the support I received and helping to lead me to these wonderful accomplishments so early in my career,” said Vanacore.
The training video is now being used throughout Orange County Public Schools. Vanacore also will be participating in a video the Orange County Public School District is developing for prospective parents highlighting the successful kindergarten program.
"It's not a surprise to me that Felicia has already enjoyed such a successful teaching career," said Katie Rommel-Esham, professor of education at Geneseo. "During her time at Geneseo, she successfully balanced a demanding course load with her extracurricular activities, all of which helped her become not just a more well-rounded woman but also an excellent time manager. It was clear from her interactions with her professors, her peers and her students that she would indeed be an outstanding teacher."