SDIRC Announces Teacher and Employee of the Year

SDIRC Announces Teacher and Employee of the Year
Posted on 02/08/2022

Vero Beach, FL, February 8, 2022– The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) is proud to announce our 2023 (per FLDOE) Teacher of the Year, Shawn Conway, teacher at Vero Beach Elementary School (VBE), and 2022 Employee of the Year, Jason Banks, member of the custodial staff at Vero Beach Elementary School. 

On January 27th, our district celebrated our Teachers and Employees of the Year with a 70’s themed gala sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, featuring entertainment from the Sebastian River High School Jazz Band and DJay Ross of Barwick Entertainment.  SDIRC staff members joined us for an amazing night celebrating our Stars and dressed in their best 70’s attire. 

Shawn Conway SDIRC 2023 Teacher of the Year
Shawn Conway, SDIRC Teacher of the Year

Our 2023 (per FLDOE) Teacher of the Year, Shawn Conway, received his Bachelor of Arts in English in 2009 from Florida Atlantic University, his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2012, and became a certified Education Specialist in Organizational Leadership through Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2021.

Shawn began his journey in education 13 years ago at the middle school level in a private school. It was there he completed his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Conway came to VBE four years ago, which is when he made the transition to public education. Shawn said, “As a result of moving to public education, I have grown so much as an educator; it allotted me the right set of circumstances to add more tools to my educator’s toolbox, including earning my Education Specialist Degree in Organizational Leadership from NSU.  I still have so much to learn, but I am so thankful for the honor and opportunity to represent my fellow teachers in Indian River County. I love my school, this district, and the beautiful community that we share!”

Jason Banks SDIRC Employee of the Year
Jason Banks, SDIRC Employee of the Year

Jason Banks has worked in the fields of construction, maintenance, and residential and commercial security, for nearly 25 years, and is a Class D and G Licensed Security Officer from the S2 Security Institute in Orlando, Florida.   Jason joined the custodial staff at Vero Beach Elementary in 2013 and takes pride in maintaining the appearance and security of the campus. Currently, Jason is preparing to become a Behavior Technician and has completed the 40-hour Registered Behavioral Technician training.  His goal is to become board certified with a license from the State of Florida.  Mr. Banks has been married to the love of his life, Lesley, for 14 years, and they have three beautiful children: Jacob, Maverick, and Dani. The Banks’ love to travel to new places, learn new things, and attend concerts for the musical atmosphere.

“I am so grateful to be living here in paradise with this community, said Mr. Banks.  An employee of the year is not born, an employee of the year is made; and with all the amazing staff members in the SDIRC, the recognition of Employee of the Year is so humbling.”

Mrs. Teri Barenborg, School Board Chairman, said, “We are beyond excited to have two excellent representatives for our SDIRC Teacher and Employee of the Year.  Mr. Conway and Mr. Banks go above and beyond for kids, as our teachers and employees do every day for our students.  We are proud of them, all of our Teachers and Employees of the Year, and our entire SDIRC team that works hard every day to ensure that each child can strive to maximize their true potential.”

“Celebrating the hard work and dedication of our SDIRC staff members is one of our favorite things to do, said Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools.  We are ecstatic to recognize Shawn and Jason as being our SDIRC nominees for Teacher and Employee of the Year. The work that all our SDIRC teachers and staff members do is remarkable, and we wish we could bring each one into the spotlight for recognition.”    

Principal of VBE, Lyndsey Matheny, added, “We are incredibly proud to have Mr. Conway and Mr. Banks represent Vero Beach Elementary and the School District of Indian River County at the state level. Both gentlemen are the epitome of passion, drive, and ultimately, what is best for students. We look forward to the tremendous impact they will continue to have this year and throughout their entire career.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Cristen Maddux at 772-564-5527 or email at [email protected].