Olivia Ursch, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, was named the Florida Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences Rookie Teacher of the Year, according to a June 1 announcement. The award recognizes outstanding educators in their first through third years of teaching.
In her second year at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, Ursch has connected classroom instruction to real-world applications and workplace skills. She is recognized for linking lessons to scenarios that encourage student engagement with practical learning experiences.
One project highlighted in her work is the multi-day “Create Your Own Restaurant,” which gives students an opportunity to explore aspects of the culinary industry from menu design to teamwork dynamics. Ursch teaches Fundamentals of Culinary Careers, Principles of Food Preparation, and Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences.
Her family, students, and administrators surprised her in her classroom last week with news of the award. Pinellas County Schools enriches community life by promoting academic achievement, innovation, and student development; maintains an extensive network of school facilities serving students throughout the county; operates as the official public school district for Pinellas County under its elected School Board; operates 144 schools ranking as Florida’s ninth-largest district; focuses on preparing students for college, careers, and life; and offers one of Florida’s most diverse selections of magnet programs, according to the official website.
