In a remarkable display of excellence and dedication, Ms. Vanessa Gomez, a distinguished Medical Assistant Instructor at Osceola Technical College (oTECH), has been honored as Osceola School District’s Teacher of the Year, while Mrs. Dawn Parker garners acclaim as the 2024 School-Related Employee of the Year.
Ms. Gomez’s success is evident in her ability to not only equip students with the necessary skills for a medical career, but also in her unwavering encouragement for them to pursue further education. After spending 13 years in the healthcare industry, her natural caregiving inclination has seamlessly transitioned into the classroom.
Since embarking on her teaching position at oTECH in 2021, her students have earned a 100% passage rate on the industry certification exam, which speaks volumes to her teaching capacity and ability. “These data-driven results underscore my commitment to facilitating meaningful outcomes, empowering students with both knowledge and practical skills for success in their healthcare careers,” said Gomez. “This journey is not just a career; it is a lifelong fulfillment of contributing to the growth and success of aspiring healthcare professionals.”
One of her many notable strengths is her emphasis on active participation in her classroom, through activities designed to make learning enjoyable and to encourage students to apply their knowledge to foster a deeper understanding. This is accomplished through such activities as an escape room game, medical monopoly, bingo and Jeopardy, group discussions, and peer teaching. By diversifying the modes of interaction in her instructional approach, she creates a more inclusive learning environment where all students feel engaged and empowered. Having her students clinch first place at the state HOSA future medical professionals competition validates the significance of the practical, hands-on learning Ms. Gomez uses to enhance student outcomes.
Recognizing a gap in oTECH’s ties to major area hospitals for students’ practicum experiences, Ms. Gomez engaged with healthcare institutions during school fairs and networking events. This proactive approach led to a new partnership with AdventHealth, opening doors for ten students to undergo their 200-hour practicum experiences. These students were subsequently hired after completing their practicum. She has since expanded partnerships with other area hospitals, including Orlando Health, Nemours Hospital, and HCA Healthcare. She holds semi-annual meetings with these partners to hold forums to discuss industry trends, to assess evolving student needs, and to secure material donations for classrooms across campus.
“What truly fuels my passion is observing the transformative journey of my students,” said Ms. Gomez. “As a Dual Enrollment career and technical education teacher, I play a pivotal role in guiding them towards a meaningful career. The joy I experience when witnessing their intellectual growth and moments they articulate newfound knowledge is unparalleled.”
“Ms. Gomez has the passion and accomplishments both as an exemplary teacher and an instructional leader befitting for our district’s Teacher of the Year,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “What clearly stands out is her ability to motivate students towards higher achievement and success.”
Ms. Gomez will now represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education’s 2025 Teacher of the Year judging.
Mrs. Dawn Parker Named Osceola School District’s School-Related Employee of the Year
Mrs. Dawn Parker has been selected as the 2024 School-Related Employee of the Year for the Osceola School District. For the last five years, she has worked as Executive Secretary at Tohopekaliga High School. Her administrators, faculty and staff, parents, and students all resoundingly agree she is the backbone of the school, and her energy, positivity, and love for the school are both contagious and inspiring.
Principal George Arscott says that Mrs. Parker stands out because she positively drives the school’s outstanding culture each and every day. Mrs. Parker spends a large part of her day interacting and supporting students instead of sitting in her office, being visible as a cheerleader during every class change, uplifting students in the cafeteria during every lunch, and attending most after-school events to encourage students.
Her true professionalism, amazing work ethic, and dynamic interpersonal skills allow her to build relationships with all stakeholders and to act as a change agent to constantly make improvements to ensure student and staff successes. She prides herself on organizing and implementing new traditions at the school, such as the Black History Month Fashion Show production and the Staff Cultural Luncheon. Mrs. Parker’s smile and positive words of encouragement are the first things students and staff see and hear in the morning, and she is the last person they see when they leave the school well after the instructional day ends.
Mr. Arscott credits Mrs. Parker, who he describes as the definition of perfection, for making everyone at Tohopekaliga High feel like family. As his sounding board, thought partner, and as a constant pillar in the leadership of the school, she has profoundly positively impacted him as a leader, with him being named High School Principal of the Year for the Osceola School District in 2022-2023. He credits much of his own individual success to Mrs. Parker, his “right hand.”
“I am extremely proud of how Mrs. Parker represents Tohopekaliga High School and the Osceola School District as she continues to excel in her profession,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “Her passion and professionalism, her support of students and staff, and her dedication make her the obvious choice for the Osceola School District’s School-Related Employee of the Year Award.”
Mrs. Parker will now represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education’s School-Related Employee of the Year judging.
