Karen Hagerty has been named Teacher of the Year by the Adult and Community Educators (ACE) of Florida.
Hagerty teaches in-person and online GED classes at East Area Adult School. The award from ACE recognizes outstanding teachers from the adult education field, which often requires working with students of various ages and backgrounds who have previously struggled in school.
Hagerty has a special gift for helping students overcome challenges, said Dr. Danielle DeConcilio, director of East Area Adult School.
“She's able to explain things in a way that people can get it. She's just a good person and a darn good teacher,” DeConcilio said.
Hagerty goes the extra mile for her students and will work with them outside of classroom hours if they need extra assistance, DeConcilio said. She noted that Hagerty is East Area's Teacher of the Year for 2022-23, and said she is especially proud that Hagerty has now won the statewide award from ACE.
“We all win when Karen wins,” DeConcilio said.
Hagerty will he honored this month during ACE's annual conference in Orlando.