Spencer, Klostermann: Examples Of What's Best In Our Schools

Forget for a minute all the scandals we hear about from teachers in the Tampa area. And forget all the critics who claim one negative thing after another about our public school teachers. Instead, think about educators like Jon Spencer and school employees like Judy Klostermann. They are two examples of what's right in our schools and we salute them for being honored as the best of the best in our county.

Spencer, a teacher at Woodlawn Elementary in Sebring, earned teacher of the year honors this week for Highlands County. He was awarded for the relationships he builds with students, and how he goes above and beyond any standards set for him. For example, Spencer contacted professionals of all kinds to provide information about what they do and how school prepared them for the outside world. Response was incredible.

Several nationally known people replied to his query, as well as professionals right here in Highlands County. He shared the information with his students.

Klostermann, who works as a secretary at Avon Elementary School, was honored for being the school-related employee of the year. Her principal, Pam Burnham, said it all when she stated "she's the best" while standing next to the winner.

Klostermann is one of those go-to people that every business depends on every day. At the school, no job is too big or too small, and she does whatever is necessary to benefit students at Avon Elementary.
Most of us know people like her, and understand that it's that kind of work ethic and enthusiasm that makes all the difference in a successful program. We're lucky to have her doing great work for children.

Spencer and Klostermann are just two of many fine educators we have in Highlands County. Their hard work and dedication to students don't get mentioned enough, but they do it anyway. That's because it's not the praise they're after, it's the end result of happy, successful students.
We all are proud that these quality people work in our schools and with our children.