Janet Acerra, a teacher at Forest Lakes Elementary school in Oldsmar is being recognized as one of the best teachers in the country.
- Forest Lakes Elementary teacher to receive prestigious award
- Janet Acerra recognized for work in science education
- Teacher will get to meet Pres. Obama at award ceremony in Sept.
The educator of 32 years will be awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
"I come to work every day with one goal, I strive to lift the spirits of children,” said Acerra, “if I do that job nothing else matters."
Acerra is one of 213 math and science teacher to be honored. She will be recognized for her work in science education.
"It is a real affirmation for me,” said Acerra. “I find it as a means of saying, Janet you’re doing the right thing by keeping your passion in science alive."
Acerra's students said she makes learning fun.
"(What) I like most about her is that she always makes everything fun and like a game," said 5th grader Jacob Sledd.
"She tells us all sorts of stories that do relate to what we’re learning about," said 5th grade student Katie Horton.
The award will be presented September 8th in Washington, D.C., where the teachers will meet President Barack Obama.
"It is amazing to think that a little girl born in an orphanage in Germany, brought to America as a little baby and given a lifetime of love and support is going to meet the President."
It’s an honor of presidential proportions for an educator still passionate about teaching.
"When I took on the job of being a teacher 32 years ago it was my only desire, it was my goal it’s what I wanted to do," said Acerra. "So, if my students leave every day feeling better than when they walked in and if they feel happy when they’re learning, then I am a success and that’s really the best award.”