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Two Teachers Honored

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By RAY REYES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 26, 2007

PLANT CITY - One teacher espouses the benefits of sports and exercise. The other has instilled in her students an appreciation for music and art. Both have received statewide recognition for their commitment to education.
Tecca Kilmer, a physical education teacher at Turkey Creek Middle School, has been named the Southern District and Florida Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Kilmer was the top selection among teachers of the year from 13 Southern states.

Janice Rivers Lancaster, a fine arts resource teacher in the Hillsborough County School District's elementary education department, has been selected to receive the Florida Music Educators Leadership Award in January. Lancaster started her career at Pinecrest Elementary School south of Plant City in 1974.

Kilmer said her colleagues at Turkey Creek's physical education department were more than qualified to win the teacher of the year award, so she was surprised she was selected for the honor.

"It's very humbling," Kilmer said. "It was an honor to receive the award."

Lancaster said she was thrilled to be considered for the award and thanked those who came before her for the wisdom and advice they gave her.

"I've very honored," Lancaster said. "I'm very humbled to be recognized among those who I consider my mentors."

Lancaster, a lifelong Tampa resident, has taught in Hillsborough County for 18 years. She said she "teaches teachers" who specialize in music and the arts. Lancaster also works to obtain federal grants for the district.

Kilmer has worked at Turkey Creek Middle for 13 years. Her award, which is given by the Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport, makes her eligible to compete against teachers from six other nationwide districts at a convention in Dallas in April.
Turkey Creek physical education teachers not only teach the staples of individual and team sports such as tennis, basketball and volleyball, but also dance, martial arts and archery, Kilmer said.

"We teach lifelong learning," said Kilmer, a Valrico resident.

Lancaster is no stranger to awards. Ten years ago, she received the Florida Music Educators Association Elementary Music Educator of the Year Award. She will receive her latest honor at a conference in Tampa the week of Jan. 9. Lancaster said she believes it is important for students to get a thorough education in music and art along with the school staples of reading, writing and arithmetic.

"I'm an advocate for the arts wherever I go," Lancaster said. "Children's education is incomplete without it. The arts contribute so many things to their learning."

Showing her penchant for sportsmanship, Kilmer said her success can be attributed to the team effort at her school.

"What I like so much about Turkey Creek is that we're like a family," Kilmer said. "That's why we're so successful."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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