Crooms AoIT Teacher named SCPS Rookie Teacher of the Year

The 2013 Seminole County High School Rookie Teacher of the Year is Crooms Academy of Information Technology teacher Derek Jensen. Derek is a Biology teacher at Crooms AoIT. Derek loves to share that his classroom is entirely paperless. At any time, every student can access his class virtually on their laptops, tablets, and smart phones. They complete and submit assignments digitally, and he grades and provides written, spoken, and video feedback to them. Even when his students are not at school, they simultaneously participate in virtual discussions, labs, and collaborate on projects with the other students in the class. Derek believes that blended learning in his class provides expanded opportunities for his students to develop mastery.

When Derek not busy cramming science knowledge into his students' brains, he sponsors the Freshman Class and Art Club. His major hobbies involve teaching, grading papers, and reading life science periodicals. An avid pirate enthusiast and pinball player, he loves polar bears almost as much as they love him.

This is not the first time a Crooms AoIT employee has received an "Of the Year" recognition at the county or state level. Since 2009 (when our website went live):

• Bradford Barsalou was named the SCPS Teacher of the Year in 2011
• Coach Nat Perkins was named School-Related Employee of the Year in 2011
• Dr. Connie Collins was named Principal of the Year for SCPS and the State of Florida in 2009