Oct. 14, 2022 -- Three educators in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District successfully renewed their Ohio Department of Education Master Teacher designation in 2022. Those educators are Melissa Garcar, Leslie Garrett, and Joyce Bukovac, all Instructional Specialists for the District.

According to the Ohio Department of Education, a Master Teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. A Master Teacher strives for distinguished teaching and continued professional growth as specified by the Standards for Ohio Teachers.

Master Teacher candidates, who have worked at least seven years under a teaching contract, apply to earn this designation through a portfolio they develop throughout the school year.

There are five focus areas in the portfolio that need to be supported by evidence: Consistent Leadership; Focused Collaboration; Distinguished Teaching – Focus on Students and Environment; Distinguished Teaching - Focus on Content, Instruction, and Assessment; and Continued Professional Growth.