#United States #Tallahassee #Curriculum Associates #Extraordinary Educators #Florida Teachers

Two Florida Educators Honored as Extraordinary Educators

Curriculum Associates has recognized two exceptional teachers from Florida as part of its prestigious 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators™. Karen Osborn from Florosa Elementary School in Mary Esther, and Nicolette Barone from Oak Park Elementary School in Tampa, have been selected from hundreds of nominees. This recognition highlights their commitment to fostering innovative teaching strategies and their dedication to achieving high levels of student success in grades K–8.

Empowering Students in the Classroom

Karen Osborn believes in empowering her students to engage fully in the learning experience. She strives for a collaborative environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and encourages each student to express themselves. Osborn states, "My goal in the classroom has been to empower each of my students to use their voices to create the most collaborative and encouraging experience possible. Giving my students multiple entry points for participation has accommodated all the various learning styles in my classroom."

Nicolette Barone echoes this sentiment; she focuses on differentiation to address the unique needs of her students. "Students are all on different levels. To help them feel successful and see their own growth, I focus on differentiating instruction and activities based on their individual needs. i-Ready supports this by giving me the tools to personalize learning for each student," says Barone.

A Diverse Class of Educators

The 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators features a diverse group of twenty-nine teachers who excel in various roles, ranging from classroom instruction to specialized support for gifted students. Each nominee's application underwent a rigorous review by an internal committee at Curriculum Associates, which included professionals from multiple company roles. The final decision was made by an advisory board comprising Curriculum Associates employees and alumni of the Extraordinary Educator program.

According to Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, the transformative impact these teachers have significantly influences their students and communities. Sia emphasizes, “The impact these teachers make creates ripple effects in their communities and across the country. We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable educators and the transformative work they do to ensure better students' outcomes. Our Extraordinary Educators, selected from hundreds of nominations and submissions, embody our mission of impact in the classroom and work to unlock the potential of every student.”

Ongoing Support and Collaboration

As part of this recognition, the newly appointed Extraordinary Educators will gain continued access to a network of distinguished peers nationwide. This collaboration will provide opportunities to share resources, learn from one another, and explore innovative approaches to teaching. Additionally, they will receive professional development opportunities, including invitations to participate and present at the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and various other professional learning events.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates is an education company with a mission-driven approach to support grade-level achievements for every learner. The company serves over 14 million students and one million teachers across the United States through award-winning educational services and evidence-based programs, notably i-Ready®, Magnetic®, and BRIGANCE®. For more information about their initiatives and programs, visit Curriculum Associates.

In conclusion, the recognition of educators like Osborn and Barone serves as a reminder of the significant impact teachers have on the education system and their ability to inspire future generations. Their innovative approaches to engagement and instruction highlight a commitment to fostering academic excellence and creating supportive learning environments for all students.