At last week’s 2021 Evening of Excellence, Sarah Painter was announced as Pinellas County Schools’ 2021 Teacher of the Year. Painter is a fifth grade teacher in Clearwater’s Eisenhower Elementary School.
The ceremony was conducted virtually and featured presentations from teachers and students. Over 130 nominees were honored, including 10 finalists. Former TV news anchor Al Ruechel served as the master of ceremonies.
Although the ceremony was conducted online, Painter was surprised by Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego and Pinellas Education Foundation CEO Stacy Baier. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and also received a hug from principal Antonette Wilson.
“As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a district to raise a teacher,” said Painter in response to her recognition. She also thanked her school administration, co-workers, friends, and family and reflected on the challenges of teaching in-class and online simultaneously. “Your perspective and your mindset changes everything. Instead of being disappointed, we found joy in every moment. So my message to you is that in a year where everything feels so uncertain, find joy. Be more. Look for the good, because it’s always there.”
During the morning after the ceremony, Eisenhower Elementary teachers, staff, and students gathered outside the school to cheer and clap for the Painter’s arrival. She walked in on a red carpet.
Now in her 18th year of teaching, the 2021 Teacher of the Year is known for her classroom mantra of “Once a Painter, always a Painter” – underscoring a message that she and her students will always be connected throughout their life journeys. Painters, she tells them, have a reputation to uphold for persistence, resilience and kindness. “She loves this place and she loves her kids,” said her principal. “Once a Painter, always a Painter.”
