Marissa Harrer, '12, (pictured above second from left) knew from a young age that she'd be a teacher. With hard work and dedication, she's now working at her dream school, and was recently named District Teacher of the Year for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB).
It all started with her journey to find a school that could turn her passions of teaching and American Sign Language into a career. When she learned that Flagler had a Deaf Education Program, she immediately knew that Flagler was the only school for her.
During her time at Flagler, she had the opportunity to complete her practicums and internship at FSDB, where her love for teaching intensified.
Shortly after graduation in 2012, she was hired and has taught there for the last 10 years. She takes on multiple roles, including an after-school program that helps fourth graders produce and film daily morning videos.
"My favorite moments as a teacher are when a student understands a subject that they've been struggling with,” she said. “The look of pride and accomplishment on their faces is why I do what I do."
To show her appreciation for Flagler, she has now become a mentor for many Flagler students who are passionate about pursuing a career in teaching.
"I am beyond honored to have been a mentor teacher for several Flagler practicum students and interns, many of whom I'm still in contact with today," Harrer said. "It's so cool to be able to give back to a school that has given me so much."
