Fall 09
“Sarah Painter is
the epitome of a
teacher leader,” said Dr.
Michael A. Grego, Pinellas
County Schools superintendent. “Her message of finding
joy has resonated deeply with her students, families and
colleagues and her mantra of ‘we can do hard things’ set the
tone for her school community. Her success in the classroom
is a reflection of the excellence she expects from herself and
her students, as well as the compassion and heart she brings
to everything she does. She is a remarkable ambassador for
teachers and the entire education profession.”
Painter is not resting after her big win, however. Her passion
shines through as she talks about the coming school year
at Eisenhower Elementary. She will also be serving in a
Clearwater Character
new role as the Christa
McAuliffe Ambassador
for Education, a title that
will have her traveling
all over the state visiting
classrooms and mentoring
other teachers.
“It will be such an honor to share
my outlook on teaching with others,”
Painter said. “You always hear teachers say they
do it because they love the children, which is true for me as
well. But I also love teachers. I want to fight for what is best
for teachers and students.”