Sarasota Middle School Educator Named Sarasota County Teacher Of The Year For 2022

SARASOTA, FL — Jennifer Jaso, a social studies and critical thinking teacher at Sarasota Middle School, was named the 2022 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the annual celebration of educators hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

The Ignite Education awards, sponsored by the Education Foundation in conjunction with Sarasota County Schools, which was held this year at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, according to a news release from the school district. Last year’s event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The positive energy that our super-talented teachers generate when they are together is electric and inspiring,” Education Foundation President Jennifer Vigne said. “They have kept up their enthusiasm for teaching and their commitment to students during extremely challenging times, and it’s our honor to acknowledge their dedication and outstanding work.”

This year’s program featured original songs and skits and the banter of co-emcees Shane Swezey and Kari Johnson, the 2019 and 2021 Sarasota County Teachers of the Year. Both Swezey and Johnson advanced to the top five finalists for the state award during their tenures, and Swezey is a teacher representative on the Education Foundation board.

Before Jaso was named as the district’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, videos were shown of her and fellow district finalists — Shannon Haddad of Ashton Elementary School and Loridia Urquiza of Booker High School.

During the event, Jacob Lasorso, an industrial education instructor at Suncoast Technical College, was named as the 2022 Innovation Award honoree. The award recognizes a Teacher of the Year who is creative in approach, willing to think outside the box and able to connect students with learning in unique ways, the district said.

The 43 Teacher of the Year designees representing their respective schools also were recognized and received cash awards.

“We are extremely thankful for each one of our amazing teachers,” Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen said. “Their resilience and commitment are both inspiring and energizing as they passionately serve our students and families. Our Teachers of the Year truly have made a positive impact on the lives of their students, and we are very proud of them. Please join me in recognizing these outstanding teachers, as well as extending a special congratulations to our 2022 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Jennifer Jaso.”

Jaso will represent district teachers throughout the 2022 calendar year and serve as the district’s nominee for state Teacher of the Year.

The Education Foundation presented Jaso with a $5,000 cash award, and Haddad and Urquiza with awards of $2,500 each.