Alberto Carvalho

Position: Superintendent

School: N/A

School District: Miami-Dade County Public Schools

City, State: Miami, Florida

About the Nominee: Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho has transformed education in Miami-Dade County Public Schools by providing greater opportunities for more students, particularly minority students, to experience the joy and pride of academic success and achievement. His laser focus on making the classroom the district’s number one priority has led to Miami-Dade being placed among the highest achieving school districts in fourth and eighth grade reading and mathematics on the National Assessment for Educational Progress. Mr. Carvalho believes strongly that what happens in the classroom must be linked to the dreams and aspirations that students have for themselves. He inspires educators to broaden the concept of what is relevant to students by exposing them to what matters to the rest of the world, by informing them of what is required to succeed, and by doing so in a manner that excites and engages students. Under Mr. Carvalho’s leadership, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has been recognized for countless achievements. Equally important to the national honors and recognition that M-DCPS has received since Mr. Carvalho became superintendent is the community’s faith and confidence in his leadership and vision. Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho is a LifeChanger because he demonstrates the type of leadership that inspires others to excel and achieve what they thought impossible.

Larissa Silfa-Velez

Position: Kindergarten Teacher

School: Sunrise Elementary School

School District: School District of Osceola County

City, State: Kissimmee, Florida

About the Nominee: There are many ways to describe Larissa Silfa-Velez: committed, resourceful, intelligent, and balanced; however, her most outstanding attribute is her uncanny ability to reach all students. Ms. Silfa-Velez works with diverse students from all backgrounds, and without exception, Ms. Silfa-Velez remarkably meets the needs of each one. She is more than a teacher; she is often a counselor, confidant, nurse, caretaker, liaison, and manager of students. Ms. Silfa-Velez consistently thinks outside-the-box and is a problem-solver extraordinaire at her school. She creates relationships of mutual respect and admiration with parents and fellow teachers. She offers support and encouragement to her peers. Ms. Silfa-Velez maintains a level of excellence with every task she completes, coupling her “no excuses” attitude with efficient organization and managerial skills. If there is a job that needs to be done, she quickly steps up to the challenge. She is never afraid to ask questions, learn more professionally, and grow. Ms. Silfa-Velez completes her duties each day with a humble demeanor and quiet grace.

Tessa McKeown

Position: 4th Grade Dual Language Teacher

School: Tildenville Elementary School

School District: Orange County Public Schools

City, State: Winter Garden, Florida

About the Nominee: Tessa McKeown has gone above and beyond when it comes to making a difference in the lives of her students. She has taught at Tildenville for several years, meeting the needs of students both on an academic and personal level. She has taught and co-coordinated summer school, making sure that the instruction and design of the program meets the needs of all students. She participates in morning clubs, which provide 30 minutes of additional instruction and homework assistance several mornings each week before school begins. Mrs. McKeown also tutors several hours a week with a group of students who need extra practice in writing. Also in charge of Extended Media, Mrs. McKeown assists students with computers, homework and checking out books. As if teaching during the day and tutoring at the day were not enough, she also teaches Saturday School every year. She decorates her classroom in an inviting yet educational way and pours a lot of time, energy and financial resources into purchasing or creating the materials her students need to be successful. As team leader, she guides her fellow teammates in data analysis, lesson plan design, and best practice research. Outside of academics, she has boosted school spirit by co-chairing the Sunshine Committee and has provided a listening ear and words of advice to her coworkers. Ms. McKeown has been a new teacher mentor for several years. and has even taken multiple college interns under her wing. Quick to jump on professional development, she incorporates new techniques into her lesson plans. Mrs. McKeown is an excellent teacher and reliable, supportive colleague.