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Collier Citizen: Education Spotlight

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See larger Louan Bagley teaches second grade at Naples Christian Academy. Bagley earned her bachelors degree at the University of Georgia College before attaining her masters of education at Walden University. Her 16 years in the education field includes 14 at her current position and two with the Collier Public School system. Her teaching philosophy is to teach each student that they are a unique creation of God, to help them develop a Biblical worldview and to guide them toward an excellence in academics. / SUBMITTED

Louan Bagley teaches second grade at Naples Christian Academy. Bagley earned her bachelors degree at the University of Georgia College before attaining her masters of education at Walden University. Her 16 years in the education field includes 14 at her current position and two with the Collier Public School system. Her teaching philosophy is to teach each student that they are a unique creation of God, to help them develop a Biblical worldview and to guide them toward an excellence in academics. / SUBMITTED

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  • Louan Bagley teaches second grade at Naples Christian Academy. Bagley earned her bachelors degree at the University of Georgia College before attaining her masters of education at Walden University. Her 16 years in the education field includes 14 at her current position and two with the Collier Public School system. Her teaching philosophy is to teach each student that they are a unique creation of God, to help them develop a Biblical worldview and to guide them toward an excellence in academics. / SUBMITTED
  • Laura Mendicino Big Cypress Elementary Laura teaches third grade and believes in a student-centered, hands-on approach to teaching, encouraging students to think critically using qu. She, her husband and two children are Dallas Cowboys fans who live with their dogs, Brodie and Baily. She holds a bachelor's in elementary education from Florida Gulf Coast University and is certified in math, ESOL, ESE, and gifted education.
  • Maj. John Sarnecky is the JROTC commander at Palmetto Ridge High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science, a master's in administration, has just completed his educational specialist degree and is working on a doctorate in educational leadership. He is also the senior army instructor for the JROTC and says the program could really use a golf course to make it easier to observe cadets at various training sites on campus, as well as resupply water and equipment. He enjoys water sports and fishing with his family.
  • St. Elizabeth Seton School first grade teacher Suzanne Hardy is a 19-year educator who has taught at SES her entire career. She is a graduate of Edison Community College and William Penn College. Her hobbies include going to the beach, watching her children'­s sports events, and the Everblades hockey team. She has two sons, Josh and Kenneth. 'I love being able to help students develop their skills as first graders,' she says. 'I have always wanted to be a teacher and believe it is the greatest profession.'
  • Pine Ridge Middle School orchestra director Nanette Grant is a 29-year educator currently in her first year with Collier Public Schools. She is a graduate of Ball State University and the University of Illinois. Her hobbies include performing (violin) and teaching private lessons. Her husband Steven is a violist/violinist with the Southwest Florida Symphony and a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. Their son Evan is a senior at Ft. Myers High School. 'I believe there is so much potential within each student,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'The key is to unlock the barriers and open the doors to the possibilities stored inside, just waiting to emerge.'
  • Manatee Middle School EH/ESE Teacher Nick Orlowski is a first year teacher and a graduate of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. His enjoys traveling, sports, video games, reading, and spending time with his girlfriend Lauran. He says Manatee'­s greatest strength is its diverse student body, which provides students with a more worldly perspective. 'A student'­s education should not be determined by where they were born or how much money their parents make,' he says. 'People are quick to criticize a school like ours, but few seem willing to help. I truly believe our students are just as gifted and talented as any schools; they just need to have their passion for learning matched by teachers and a community that is truly invested in their success.'
  • Estates Elementary reading/science lab teacher Gayle Nance is a 30-year educator who has served Collier Public Schools for 24 years. She is a graduate of the University of Florida. Her hobbies include nature photography, gardening, orchids, Purple Martins, space and weather. She and her husband Tim have been married 32 years. 'I believe that all children can learn using motivation and interesting, appropriate materials,' she says. 'We need to find the key to unlock the potential in every student. The light of discovery and understanding on a child's face is what I strive for every day. I love helping young people achieve their maximum potential!'
  • Pine Ridge Middle School chorus and band instructor Cindy Mueller is a 16-year educator who has taught in Collier Public Schools for 10 years. She is a graduate of James Madison University. Her hobbies include sailing and reading. 'As a middle school teacher, my fundamental goal is to help students maintain the natural inquisitiveness and enthusiasm of childhood, while increasing each student's sense of responsibility for his or her own learning, goals, and choices,' she says. 'Music education is one of the best environments to foster student growth in this developmental process.'
  • Manatee Elementary School music teacher Dr. Ken Carpenter is a 20-year educator who has been with Collier Public Schools for nine years. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston; Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester, and earned his doctorate from the University of Hawaii. His hobbies include music, travel, and running. His wife Carol is an ESE teacher at Manatee Elementary. Both are National Board Certified. ìI believe in teaching, sharing our musical traditions with children and acquainting them with the musics of various cultures around the world,î he says of his teaching philosophy. ìAnd I believe in nurturing creativity, teamwork, ensemble, finely tuned listening, and integrating music with other educational disciplines such as reading, history, science, and social studies.î
  • Oakridge Middle School reading instructor Joyce Everett has been teaching in Collier County for three years. Her hobbies include golfing, reading, bicycling, and hiking. She has two grown children, a son in California and a son and daughter-in-law in Ohio. She says the key to Oakridge Middle Schoolís success is its terrific teachers.
  • Sabal Palm Elementary Dean of Students Melanie Fike is a nine-year teacher who has been with Collier Public Schools for three years. She is a graduate of State University of New York College at Fredonia. Her hobbies include reading, shopping and baking. She and her husband Jay have one daughter, Brielle. 'I believe that every student should be given the opportunity to learn in a way that they can reach their greatest potential,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'It is important to create a love of learning with our students so they are encouraged to be life-long learners.'
  • Gulf Coast High School Asst. Principal of Discipline Tom Bligh is a 34-year educator who has served Collier County Public Schools for 17 years. He is a graduate of Fairfield University, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and American International College. His hobbies include skate boarding and walking on the beach. He and his wife, Tawnie, a kindergarten teacher, have one son, Connor, who is in second grade. 'I feel it is my responsibility to support and provide a safe learning environment for students to learn and for teachers to teach,' he says of his duties.
  • East Naples Middle School phys-ed teacher Jen Ballard is a 17-year educator and a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University. She is currently working on her master'­s degree through the University of South Florida. She also serves as year book advisor for the school and oversees the after school program. She has three children, Jenna, Trevor and Lindsey. 'My philosophy of teaching is simple -- create a safe and close-knit classroom environment, and students will feel comfortable taking risks within their learning experiences,' she says, adding her goal is to instill healthy habits that will continue with her students into their adult lives.
  • Veterans Memorial Elementary P.E. teacher Michael Steven Guli is a four-year educator. He was an undergraduate of Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey and is earning his graduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. His hobbies include playing baseball, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, reading and traveling. 'There has been a recent rise in childhood obesity caused by sedentary lifestyles and poor nutritional choices,' he says. 'As a physical education teacher my goal is to encourage students to participate in physical activities, to encourage lifelong fitness and emphasize the importance of making healthy nutritional choices.'
  • St. Elizabeth Seton P.E. teacher and athletic director Jeff Tenbarge is a 10-year educator with the Diocese of Venice. After his freshman year of college, he was drafted by the Houston Astros and spent two years playing professional baseball in the minor leagues. He later returned to school at Western Carolina University where he received his degree in physical education. His hobbies include golf, darts, coaching baseball, and keeping his lawn and flowers looking good. He and his wife, Beth, have two children, Sarah and Tucker. 'I love to tell stories to prove points and teach about life,' he says of his teaching philosophy. 'I have found that kids respond well to guidelines and smiles if they know that the teacher is consistent and genuine.'
  • Parkside Elementary P.E. teacher Lori Bocskor is a nine-year educator and a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland. Her hobbies include sports, going to the beach, boating, roller-blading and traveling. She is also learning how to fish. 'All children deserve an equal opportunity to learn. As an educator it is my job to give every child an opportunity to feel successful. I must instill in as many children as possible a love of learning. I want my classes to be fun and engaging so children are excited about learning. I also feel it is very important that children are taught the importance of diversity and maintaining their own culture.'
  • Lely High School personal fitness teacher Dr. James Patrick Ragon is a 30-year educator and a graduate of Xavier University. His hobbies include coaching, pole vaulting, hiking, tennis and traveling. He and his wife have five children, two step children and 15 grand-children. 'Learning is not only natural for all children but it should also be fun and interesting,' he says of his teaching philosophy. 'My job is to develop a caring, accepting and safe relationship, while providing students with the necessary skills to learn and succeed.'
  • Big Cypress Elementary P.E. teacher Laura Mahn is a 21-year educator and a graduate of Indiana University. This is her third year teaching physical education in Collier County. Her hobbies include running, reading, watching sports and listening to music. 'My philosophy of teaching physical education is to create an enjoyable and safe environment where children can learn,' Mahn says. 'I am an advocate of 'Fitness for Life'­ for children and adults. I believe you should have fun while you are teaching, and the students will do the same!'
  • Pelican Marsh Elementary School P.E. teacher Larry David is a 24-year educator and a graduate of Grand Valley State University, Michigan. He earned his master'­s degree from Nova Southeastern University. His hobbies include golf and ice hockey. His son Loren, 17, is a senior at Barron Collier High School. 'When we show enthusiasm and excitement about fitness, nutrition, and exercise, we hope that the students will show the same and incorporate them into their daily lives,' he says of his teaching philosophy. 'Making exercise fun and enjoyable helps to get our students excited about being fit.'
  • Pelican Marsh P.E. teacher Rick Raymer is an 11-year educator, who earned his bachelors degree from Florida Southern College and his masters at Florida Gulf Coast University. His hobbies include golf and coaching baseball. He and his wife Kelly have a son Rhett, 3, and a daughter Gracie, 1. 'My goal is to improve the overall knowledge of our student'­s nutrition and fitness so they can engage in a lifetime of good health,' he says. 'This can be achieved by providing all students with various opportunities to be active, as well as providing them with the information they need to make healthy choices.'
  • Sabal Palm Elementary P.E. teacher John Sanchez is a 13-year educator and a graduate of Florida International University. His hobbies include church activities. He and his wife Esperanza have three children, Sarai, 8; Samir, 6, and Saidi, 3. 'I believe every child has the ability to learn,' he says of his teaching philosophy. 'I want every child to come out from my class feeling successful and like a true champion. More than anything else , I want them to have life-long learning skills in order to become productive members of society in the future.'
  • Lely High School P.E. teacher and coach Jennifer Bledsoe is a six-year educator and a graduate of the University of South Florida. Her hobbies include boating, going to the beach and reading. He and her husband Jason have one daughter, Kylie. 'My philosophy if that every child should walk into my classroom and feel safe and want to learn and be active,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'It is important, as a teacher, to individualize the activities so the students not only learn, but enjoy being active.'
  • Edison College professor of nursing Regina Gorski is an 18-year educator and serves as Student Nurse Association advisor. She has her RN and a master’s degree in nursing. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling to spend time with children and grand babies. “We are preparing a diverse workforce that reflects the population our graduates serve,” she says of her teaching philosophy, “Faculty must be prepared to design delivery systems that meet the needs of this diverse student body; dynamic, customized and individualized.”
  • Golden Gate High School Health and Physical Education instructor Sue Canterbury is a nine-year educator and an undergraduate of SUNY Cortland. She earned her masters degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her hobbies include traveling and sports. 'My teaching philosophy is the same as the Golden Gate motto -- RESPECT. Once you establish a relationship of respect, things such as responsibility, trust, caring and character fall into line.'
  • Barron Collier High School Physical Education Chair Ted Parsons also serves as Head Baseball Coach. He is a 12-year educator and a graduate of the University of West Florida. His hobby is golf. 'I believe every student should be given an equal and ample opportunity to learn, to grow and develop through a sound mind and creative learning techniques,' he says. 'As a teacher, I am able to enhance and provide, both respectively. I feel communicating cutting-edge curriculum and empowering the students to respond with their own solutions to proposed issues and scenarios can and will offer a realistic training method for the real world. In doing so, I hope to create life-long learners.'
  • Everglades Elementary School P.E. teacher Tammy Miller is a 14-year educator and a graduate of Valdosta State University and FGCU. Her hobbies include running, reading, scuba diving, various sports, and chasing her two dogs around. She and her husband Rick have two daughters, Lee and Karlie, and a son Erick. 'My goal is to encourage my students to be fit for life,' she says of her teaching philosophy, 'To achieve this I try to present diverse ways in which we can be active throughout our lives. It is my hope that each student takes a physical activity enjoyed in my class and practices it for a lifetime.'
  • Lely Elementary School P.E. teacher and team leader Michael Miller is a 21-year educator and a graduate of St. Joseph'­s College. His hobbies include baseball, coaching and salt water aquariums. He and his wife have three sons and two step sons. 'I believe that each child needs to learn the importance of exercise and the overall affect it can have on their life; both in and out of the classroom,' he says of his teaching philosophy. 'I try to give the students as much exercise as possible each and every class. We also have a morning exercise program to give the students some extra exercise everyday.'
  • Naples Park Elementary School reading teacher Bette Russo is a 36-year educator (and counting). She is a Florida Atlantic University graduate, whose hobbies include reading, gardening, beach walks, and sewing. 'I believe that children are individuals, each unique in regard to learning style, developmental level and background. As a teacher it is my duty to honor the development of the whole child by providing a rich, risk-free learning environment,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'My goal is to foster a love of learning, so that students will become flexible lifelong learners.'
  • Golden Terrace Elementary P.E. teacher Georgina Percel is a 29-year educator and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, the University of Georgia and University of Miami. Her hobbies include cooking and reading. She and her husband George have two sons, Inti and Kai, and daughters Jeselle, Stephanie and Jessica as well as two cats, Cleo and Rascal and a puppy, Bella. 'You are not totally educated until you are physical educated,' is Percel'­s motto.
  • Pelican Marsh Elementary School fourth grade teacher Karen Tuttle is a 13-year educator and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her hobbies include digital photography and computer graphics, relaxing on the beach, and reading. 'When the day comes to an end, I must remember that I am teaching more than just standards and benchmarks, I am teaching children,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'As well as a solid educational foundation, children need love and nurturing to build a positive self-esteem, they need role models that demonstrate good character traits, and they need structure with limits clearly set. Give children these essentials and they will flourish beyond all expectations.'
  • Calusa Park Elementary IAC teacher Elaine Gustafson is a 39-year teacher and a graduate of College of Our Lady of the Elms. Her hobbies include travel, sewing, quilting, calligraphy, reading, and cooking, which is also enjoyed by her husband Robert. 'The children of today are tomorrow'­s future,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'As a teacher it is my responsibility to assist each child to achieve his/her potential in order to be a successful adult.'
  • Sabal Palm Elementary kindergarten teacher Wendy Brooks is a 24-year educator and a graduate of St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. Her hobbies include computer graphic design, cooking, mountain climbing and sailing. She and her husband Richmond have one son, Ricky, who is in seventh grade. 'Teaching is a journey where a child's learning becomes the pathway to adventure,' she says of her teaching philosophy, 'Each child opens the door to their learning in many different ways, and it is a teacher who finds their path and lights the way. Building good character with self esteem lays the foundation for good citizens in tomorrow's world.'
  • Corkscrew Elementary first grade teacher Sue Fialko is a 14-year educator and a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. Her hobbies include reading, swimming and playing with her grandchildren. She and her husband Tony have four daughters and two grandchildren. 'All children should be educated in a safe nurturing environment where they feel free to take chances,' she says of her teaching philosophy. 'All Children need to find challenges and successes to grow and develop, not only academic skills, but a lifelong love of learning.'
  • Seventeen-year educator Linda Berthelsen teaches science and holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in science, with a gifted endorsement. She also serves as a peer teacher and mentor, as well as chairperson of the Scientific Review Committee and Institutional Review Board. Linda enjoys running, baking, reading, hiking, keeping up with family and friends and working with animal rescue groups. She has a blended family of six children and a small zoo of pets including three dogs, a cat, a bird and fish.

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