A. Quinn Jones Center’s Cassidy Klein Named 2022 DEBH Regional Teacher of the Year

GAINESVILLE –  Cassidy Klein, a high school English language arts teacher at the A. Quinn Jones Center, was tabbed as the recipient of the 2022 Division for Emotional & Behavioral Health (DEBH) Region 8 Teacher of the Year award.

The award is presented annually by the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. Region 8 represents Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Klein, who is in her fourth year at A. Quinn Jones and was the center’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, said that a passion for working with her students made receiving the DEBH award very special.

“I feel very passionate about students with emotional and behavioral disabilities,” Klein said. “It’s definitely my passion, so any time you’re recognized for something you really care about, it feels good.”

Having now earned teacher of the year honors in 2021 and 2022, Klein believes that her students have made her a better instructor.

“All of my students have different learning styles, different backgrounds and their experiences with school are different than mine,” Klein said. “They’ve shown me ways to look at curriculum differently. I’ve had to learn how to view something that’s made for every high schooler in the district and adapt it to fit my students’ needs.”

Klein will be presented with her award during the DEBH General Business Meeting at the CEC Convention and Expo in Orlando on Jan. 17.

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