ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Fairlawn Elementary gifted-education teacher Anna Babcock was named St. Lucie County schools teacher of the year.

What happened: St. Lucie schools and the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County held their annual event Saturday, recognizing the district’s top educators. Jo Ann Padon, a school media clerk at Fairlawn Elementary was named school-related employee of the year. Fort Pierce Central High School social studies teacher Kim Herring-Nance was named minority educator of the year; and Mariposa Elementary music teacher Emily Morgan was named outstanding first-year teacher.

Why this is important: The teacher of the year and school-related employee of the year are selected from those nominated by their peers at each school. Babcock and Padon now move on to the state competitions.

Praising the winners: “All of the nominees exemplify excellence in teaching and superior support in providing a positive teaching and learning environment in St. Lucie public schools,” Superintendent Jon Prince said in a statement. “They represent what is best about (St. Lucie schools) and why we continue to see consistent gains across the board in student achievement and success.”

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