FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
May 5, 2009

National Coalition for Public School Options Announces First Florida Pioneers of Teaching
 Teachers recognized as part of National Public Charter Schools Week beginning May 4

WASHINGTON - The National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), an alliance of parents working together to protect parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children, is proud to announce the first Florida Pioneers of Teaching. Patricia Mitchell from Florida Connections Academy and Shanna O'Grady from Florida Virtual Academy have been named the Florida award winners in the national competition held to recognize top performing elementary and secondary teachers in public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual and online schools.

"NCPSO is proud to recognize these pioneering teachers who exemplify the innovative instruction and dedication which are essential tools to meet the learning needs of all types of students," said Lori Cooney, NCPSO president and parent of a virtual academy student. "It is important to recognize the integral role teachers play in non-traditional settings as we work to protect educational options so every student has a chance to succeed."

Ms. Mitchell started her virtual teaching career after retiring from a 30-year career of traditional teaching. She goes out of her way to learn each student's interests and uses that to encourage them to write more often and to join school clubs.

Also a virtual teacher, Ms. O'Grady plans many educational field trips for her students so they can learn while getting to know one another. She leads educational trips to science museums, cultural trips to see plays and musicals, and community service trips. Ms. O'Grady says "My favorite field trip was when I took my students to the Southeastern Guide Dog School. I loved this field trip because it allowed all involved the opportunity to see a fun way to give back to the community. It is such a positive experience any time you can expose children to the concept of giving back."

Ms. Mitchell and Ms. O'Grady were also two of twelve state finalists selected by the NSPSO board to compete for the national award announced today as part of both National Public Charter Schools Week and National Teacher Appreciation Week.  Congratulations to Jane Ferris of Pennsylvania for being selected as the national American Pioneer of Teaching. Information on this award can be found on the NCPSO website at http://www.publicschooloptions.org/.

The National Coalition for Public School Options is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, we advocate for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children.