Superintendent Gent Honors Two Outstanding Educators

Nancy Bourne and Karen Simmons, outstanding teachers at Beacon Cove Intermediate School and recent recipients of State awards, were honored this morning by Superintendent Wayne Gent and Dr. Camille Coleman, Area 4 Superintendent. 

Ms. Bourne was recognized by the Florida Department of Education as one of three K – 6 state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.  Ms. Bourne’s success in applying creative teaching methods is evident, and can be measured not only by the superior academic performance of her students, but even more notably by their optimism and positive attitudes about learning.

Ms. Simmons was recognized by the Florida Association of the Gifted as the K-12 Teacher of the Year in the State for being the most creative.  Ms. Simmons, who has been teaching the past 14 years in gifted education, was given the prestigious “Excellence in Creative Teaching Award.”  Recommendation letters from principals, parents and former students all emphasized that Ms. Simmons was imaginative, creative, and energetic. 

For more information please contact Nancy Kinard, Manager Department of Curriculum at

(561) 434-8250 or Nancy.Kinard@palmbeachschools.org .