- January 28, 2025
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by: The Futures Foundation for Volusia County Schools
FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools announced its 2021 First Year Teacher Award recipients during its annual recognition event April 6 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Brian Levine, a third-grade teacher at Citrus Grove Elementary School in DeLand, received the Elementary level First Year Teacher award while Shane Story, an ESE support facilitation teacher at David C. Hinson Sr. Middle School in Daytona Beach, received the Secondary level First Year Teacher award. This year’s reception was co-sponsored by FUTURES Foundation and Volusia United Educators.
Mr. Levine and Mr. Story were selected for their awards from 45 nominees who were chosen to represent their schools. To be considered for the recognition, nominees must have earned a Baccalaureate degree, started a full-time teaching career on or after Jan. 1, 2020, performed outstandingly based on standards established by the Volusia County Schools and been nominated by their school principal.
“Brian Levine hit the ground running," said Citrus Grove Elementary Principal Jennifer Williams. "He believes in making learning fun, but more importantly making his classroom a safe and welcoming place for each and every one of his students.”
An elementary education graduate of Stetson University, on his first day Levine introduced himself as former pirate Captain Levine and enlisted his students to join his new crew, “one which can change the world.” In order to share more of his passion for learning, he is part of several extracurricular clubs including the DaVinci Club.
An exceptional student education graduate from Daytona State College, Story is working on his master's at the University of Central Florida, majoring in ESE with Certification in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Mr. Story is the consummate professional, always making the needs of our students with disabilities his top priority," Hinson Middle School Principal William Dunnigan said. "He is constantly setting a positive example for the faculty on how to support students with disabilities, while maintaining high expectations for the students’ growth and achievement.”
Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Story earned various leadership achievement awards while serving in the Human Intelligence Division in the U.S. Army Reserve.
"Through discussion, collaboration and reflection, my students and I plan together for their successes,” Story said. “High academic expectations are most effectively achieved when the student takes onus of their own expectations.”
Robert E. Ludlow, Jr., president of FUTURES Foundation, said the foundation was honored to sponsor this annual awards program and celebration for these new teachers.
“This year the pandemic brought even a greater challenge for brand new teachers and each of these 45 nominees stepped up to the plate for an outstanding first year," Ludlow said. "We are proud to recognize their efforts and host this annual recognition program. We appreciate the Volusia United Educators in joining us in sponsoring the reception.”
This year’s 28 Elementary First Year Teacher nominees include:
This year’s 17 Secondary First Year Teacher nominees include:
