Master Class
Meet the three standout educators whose passion, purpose, and presence in the classroom earned them a spot as finalists for Best Local Teacher—and a lasting place in their students’ hearts.
- Shelly Morrow Mark
- Fred Lopez
Most people can name at least one teacher (or, if they’re lucky, several) who had a profound impact on their lives. That teacher who supported them, inspired them, or saw something in them they hadn’t yet seen in themselves. The three finalists for Favorite Teacher are just that kind of special. They love what they do, care deeply for their students, and are committed to making a difference.
Sarah Evans
5th Grade Teacher, Foundation Academy
In Sarah Evans’s fifth-grade classroom at Foundation Academy, the scene might appear to be organized chaos—but that’s by design. There’s a constant hum of activity: some students are deep into research, others are building projects by hand, and still more are huddled in discussion groups. It’s all part of the project-based learning approach she embraces—one that honors the diverse ways her students engage with the material. Whether through note-taking, conversation, or hands-on experimentation, each child is given space to learn in the way that suits them best.
Teaching, for Sarah, isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “It is all-consuming,” she says. “It is not a choice.” There is a passion and drive to inspire students and in watching what they become.
“I love having the ability, or the privilege really, to walk alongside my students every day, and it’s super fun seeing their ah-ha moments when those lightbulbs finally click,” she says.
But it’s not just about the triumphs—Sarah treasures being there through the tough times, too, supporting her students as they show resilience and grow. As a teacher in a Christian school, she also finds profound joy in watching her students strengthen their spiritual lives.
The relationships she builds—with both students and their families—are at the heart of her work. Sarah makes it a point to show up outside the classroom, attending sports games, theater performances, and other events. “Just knowing that they’re supported not just academically but socially and emotionally,” she says, is what matters.
Jenna Vincitore
Music and Theater Teacher,
K-5, Tildenville Elementary
As a music and theater teacher at Tildenville Elementary, Jenna Vincitore gets to experience the joy of introducing young children — sometimes for the first time — to the beauty of creating music and playing instruments. In fact, her favorite part of teaching is in the beginning of the year when the kindergarten, first-, and second-graders are coming back to school.
“That is the really exciting part,” she says, “because I get to introduce them all to a whole world of things that they just didn’t know about music. They get to play instruments, they get to sing, they get to do movement, so it’s a really eye-opening experience for them and they are my favorite part.”
She adds with a smile, “The littles are so great. It is their first experience with music, so it is exciting.”
While the experience is undeniably fun, Jenna believes music plays an important role in academic and personal development as well. Many parents have told her they never expected their child to sing or perform, but after participating in her class, those students became more confident speaking in public or engaging with peers. Some even approached other subjects—like math—with more confidence.
“The students flourish in other subject areas,” Jenna says.
Though arts funding remains a challenge in public schools, Jenna is a vocal advocate for its value.
This year, she got to experience the rewards of all that effort firsthand. Her students’ production of The Lion King musical involved months of planning, rehearsals, parent coordination, and behind-the-scenes logistics. But when opening night arrived, it was pure magic. “The kids did so well! It was one of the best moments of my career,” she says.
Meke Smith
Instructional Coach, Warrior to Warrior Advisor,
Advanced Studies Coordinator, National Honor Society Advisor
After 31 years in education, Meke Smith of West Orange High School still thrives on the hustle. Whether he’s guiding student mentors and tutors, coordinating advanced testing, liaising with alumni, managing various school programs, or juggling last-minute requests, every day is packed. “The day can vary,but there’s always a knock at the door,” he says with a laugh.
“Education is really in my bones and in my blood,” he shares. “My dad was a teacher and principal in Orange County, my mom was a teacher in an academic setting and an academic dean for OCPS, and her two sisters were teachers—so it’s kind of the family business.”
Meke finds the work both inspiring and fulfilling; however, he wants people to understand just how demanding the profession can be. “I think there is a tendency to look at teachers who really love their job and never complain about it as if it’s not a challenge—but it is. It’s a difficult, hard job,” he says. “That’s what makes it special. That’s why not everyone can do it. It’s a profession done by professionals.”
Although he’s worked with various age groups, Meke finds high school students especially rewarding. He’s optimistic about what the next generation will accomplish. “What does excite me,” he says, “is the mental capacity and the moral capacity I see in kids. They’re a very strong generation intellectually, and they’re a very moral and decent generation of children. I’m very comfortable with them becoming adults and leaders.”
