With hundreds of books and films, thousands of kids and a countless number of essays, Jamie Ling was named Teacher of the Year on Oct. 7. Ling teaches AP  English Language and Composition and Film. 

“It was such an honor,” Ling said. “I think I wanted it more than I even wanted to admit to myself.” 

During her seventh period film class, principal Robert Frasca and other faculty surprised Ling with the award. The class broke out in cheers as Ling’s daughter, along with her close friends from other schools, hugged her in celebration. At her previous teaching job at Lake Mary High School, Ling won the same award in her third year teaching, but this win held a different meaning. 

“I was in my third year teaching at my other school and I feel like I didn’t work hard enough…it was so early in my career I didn’t appreciate it for what it was,” Ling said. “With all these years of experience I have at Hagerty, I just feel the significance of it more.”

Every teacher had a chance to nominate a peer for the award, but students also had a chance to nominate teachers. There were over 40 nominees, and, after a first round of voting, it was narrowed down to three finalists. Then teachers voted again to choose the winner. 

“I have a good relationship with my students so that always helps. I’m not a teacher that lowers the bar and it’s hard for students coming into my class to grapple with that [at first], but once they get used to it they leave stronger and they really come back,” Ling said. 

Teacher of the Year does is not simply the most valuable teacher award, but it is a representation of the best of what Hagerty has to offer.

“She has a lot of respect around school with students and faculty,” Frasca said. “She’s challenging, she’s demanding, but she cares about her kids and she really wants them to achieve at high levels. That’s the best quality she brings for Hagerty High School.”