Philip Shore Elementary Magnet School Principal Barbara Mercer pops in on the classrooms in her school often. And while the school has many talented teachers, she said, there is something special about Emily Marrero.
"The kids are excited about learning," Mercer said. "They're up and working. They are so engaged. She challenges them every single day."
Mercer is not the only fan of Marrero.
The Hillsborough Education Foundation on Friday named the fifth-grade educator its teacher of the year.
Marrero arrived at the school in a limo and was crowned by members of the school's administration. Students held signs praising the fifth-grade, all-girls-class teacher, and her students hugged her.
Marrero, who has been teaching for eight years, said it was all a bit overwhelming.
"Oh, my gosh, I have never been so excited in all my life," Marrero said. "It was just, to see all those kids' faces and cheering, I could hear it with the windows up and the radio on. They were just so excited."
School board chairwoman Susan Valdes spoke at an assembly in Morrero's honor. She told the students the district has about 14,500 teachers.
"And she was chosen No. 1," Valdes said.
In addition to the accolades and gifts, Morrero received a $4,500 scholarship from the University of South Florida and Nova University, as well as $1,000 in cash.
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