PCPS Announces District 6 Finalists for Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
Today was the final stop for the PCPS surprise patrol. Congratulations to the District 6 finalists for the 2023-24 Polk County Teacher and School Related Employee of the Year:
– Kelsea Matthews, Teacher of the Year finalist, second-grade and ELA teacher, Pinewood Elementary
– Matthew Brojanowski, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, paraeducator, Roosevelt Academy
PCPS has now recognized finalists from all seven districts, and the overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards on Nov. 9 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships collaborate to present this annual event.
During the event, finalists will be recognized with video tributes and receive sponsored gifts. The Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will receive a cash prize generously donated by Platinum sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Finalist profiles:
Kelsea Matthews, Pinewood Elementary, TOY
Kelsea Matthews is an important member of the Pinewood Elementary family. She’s the team leader for second grade, helps out at parent nights and PBIS events, and takes time to work with teacher interns from local colleges. In addition, she regularly transforms her classroom based on various themes, to help keep students engaged in their lessons.
Matthews does her best to empathize with students and teach them in a way that makes them feel valued and respected. Administrators say she has a positive and compassionate way of interacting with students and their families. She’s also been noted for her professionalism, as well as her desire to continually improve her knowledge and classroom strategies. Pinewood administrators say they are “proud and honored” to have Matthews among their faculty.
Matthew Brojanowski, Roosevelt Academy, SRE
Matthew Brojanowski has had a remarkable career in education. He first got involved in schools as a parent volunteer, then worked as a substitute, and went on to become a paraeducator at Roosevelt Academy. He graduated college last year — just before his 50th birthday —and has since moved into a new role as an English teacher for Roosevelt’s high school students.
As a paraeducator, Brojanowski took pride in advocating for students and supporting their academic progress by working alongside teachers. He says the best part of his job is the feedback he gets from students. Administrators describe him as professional, committed, and a positive force in Roosevelt’s culture. Whenever students or staff need encouragement, they know where to look.
