For Jane Koszoru, teaching is "All in the Family." You see, she's part of a third generation of teachers: her grandmother was a teacher, her mom was a teacher, and her two sisters are teachers. And there's a fourth generation on the way – her daughter is an education major!

Since she can remember, teaching is the only thing Ms. Koszoru has wanted to do. And for 30 years, she has helped both students and colleagues succeed. It’s her dedication to students and the teaching profession that has earned Jane Koszoru the title of Broward County Teacher of the Year 2004.

Currently, Ms. Koszoru is a teacher at the College Academy @ BCC, a new program that allows high school students to earn their high school diploma at the same time they earn their Associate's degree from Broward Community College. And this marks a milestone for Broward County – Ms. Koszoru is the first teacher from the College Academy to be both nominated for and be named Broward's top teacher.

Jane Koszoru, with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Till (l) and School Board Member, Dr. Bob Parks.

In her three decades as a teacher, Ms. Koszoru has learned one valuable lesson – you've got to make education personal for each student.

"I am convinced that students take ownership of their education when learning is personalized," said Ms. Koszoru, who teaches English 1101, American Lit and Creative Writing at the College Academy. "I believe all children can learn and I strive to create relevant lessons that will challenge them, but not defeat them."

Before she arrived at the College Academy, Ms. Koszoru taught for 24 years at Coral Springs High. Over the years, she has "witnessed and lived" the incredible changes that face today's English teacher, one of which is the increasing numbers of students whose first language is not English. To meet new challenges, Ms. Koszoru always strives to keep things fresh, new and exciting in her classroom.

Jane Koszoru,  with Connie Hines, Broward County Teacher of the Year 2003.

" I'm no magician, that's for sure," she says with a laugh. "But I know…the enthusiasm, the magic in my classroom is mine to create. I welcome the challenge of engaging students in their own learning – and creating that magic depends on remembering that the rabbit has to keep popping out of a different hat." But it isn't just the classroom where Ms. Koszoru has made her mark. Over the years, she has worked on creating curriculum, co-authored and won numerous grants and is the only member from Florida on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Adolescent and Young Adulthood/English Language Arts Standards Committee. Add to that the fact she is a National Board Certified Teacher, and Ms. Koszoru packs a pretty impressive resume.

Jane Koszoru, with her Principal Nell Sapp.

But it's in front of students where Ms. Koszoru works her magic. Just visit her classroom and you'll quickly agree with her that it is a "study in organized chaos." She believes strongly in showcasing her students' work and her walls are proof of that – they are plastered with colorful plates, hats, banners and even a quilt that depicts modern American authors.

Everyday, Ms. Koszoru works her magic in a Broward County classroom. And while today's classroom is a bit different that the one she started out in 30 years ago, Ms. Koszoru is up for the challenge.

"Remember, I've got 30 years of tricks up my sleeve," said Ms. Koszoru with a smile.



The finalists for Teacher of the Year 2004