The 2005-06 District Teacher of the Year Melissa Brinson has not only made a hit with the Florida Department of Education (DOE) in the race for Florida Teacher of the Year, but with her colleagues as well. Melissa, one of five finalists for Florida Teacher of the Year, will have 35 fellow teachers and school administration cheering her on in Orlando for the ceremony where the 2007 Florida DOE/Macy’s Teacher of the Year will be announced.

The big reveal is today at Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk. All district Teachers of the Year in the state will be recognized also.

Melissa headed out for Orlando yesterday where she and other finalists met the task of submitting a favorite lesson to the DOE. Tomorrow, teachers will enjoy a breakfast and the winner of the contest will stay the day to prepare for his/her tasks as spokesperson for the DOE for the next year.

Judges decision on the winner was previously decided based on an interview in Tallahassee three weeks ago.

Melissa and friends are staying in the Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel, a luxury resort and landmark in downtown Orlando. Today the group will be chauffeured in a limo to Hard Rock Live where Melissa will prepare for the big announcement.

Melissa and several fellow teachers met at Sheryl’s Noon Buffet Friday to finalize plans for the trip. The group discussed everything from carpooling arrangements to hair appointments and hotel arrangements to evening wear for the event.

Melissa made a trip to Macy’s to purchase evening attire with the $500 Macy’s gift card she received in May for being a finalist. With the shopping spree, Macy’s assigned Melissa a personal shopper to help her pick out a formal dress, shoes and jewelry.

“This lady has outfitted three of Florida’s State Teachers of the Year,” said Melissa. “Macy’s has been very nice to me. It’s been a great shopping experience.”

Melissa will be wearing a black formal dress with sequins and heels to make her even taller than she is.

“The shoes … I have to practice walking in them,” she said laughing.

Melissa said her fellow teachers traveling with her have made planning the event fun. Suwannee Foundation for Excellence in Education purchased the tickets for the teachers traveling with Melissa. Other educators who are in Daytona and Orlando attending a workshop this week will meet Melissa and her crew at Hard Rock Live.

“I haven’t even stopped to think about it,” said Melissa about the outcome of the event.

“We just think you’re going to be the one,” said teacher Hope Hughes who teaches with Melissa at SMS.

“I’m fine either way. I’m fine. I just want to know,” Melissa said.

“We’re proud of you regardless. And if you don’t make the top No. 1, we are very proud of you,” said SMS teacher Marsha Mitchell.

Melissa said with all the support from colleagues, she doesn’t anticipate being nervous during the ceremony or emotional if she wins. Though all finalists are required to give a speech she said, “I’m just going to concentrate on my little group (of fellow teachers).”

“We’re going to be in the back corner going, ‘Who let the dogs out!”’ one of Melissa’s teacher friends said while laughing.

If Melissa wins the top teacher title, she will have a year off from teaching with pay while she works with the DOE, traveling the state as a spokesperson for Florida teachers. Macy’s will also reward the honoree with a $10,000 check, a crystal trophy and an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The teacher named the 2007 Florida DOE/Macy’s Teacher of the Year will be considered the Christa McAuliffe ambassador for education.

“I like the idea of being an ambassador for something,” Melissa said on a more serious note. “To serve the people, especially teachers, I’d like to do that.”