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Elinor Adler Pat On The Back Award

The Broward County Council of PTA/PTSAs (BCCPTA/PTSA) recognizes teachers and non-instructional staff in Broward County public schools who have gone above and beyond for Broward County students. If you know of someone who deserves this recognition, please nominate them!

To complete the Nomination Application, scroll below to the online nomination and then follow the submission instructions on the form.

Feel free to contact pobchair@browardptsa.org for more information about our Pat on the Back Award.

Nomination Applications Window - Open till March 8, 2025

Nomination Deadline

2024-25 Pat on the Back - March 8, 2025

Instructional Nomination Application

Non-Instructional Nomination Application

History

“Pat on the Back” began in 2001, when a conversation started amongst Broward County Council PTA and the School Board about teachers being nominated and voted on by their peers as “Teacher of the Year" for their schools. That year, our county, Broward, was honored with a teacher who went all the way to State, and now a Principal, Joe Balchunas. The following year, Broward County had another teacher of the year go to the State level as well. As a PTA, we were very proud of these 2 individuals and all the teachers before them.

All our instructional and non-instructional staff are special to the PTA, as they are the ones that make a difference in the education of our children, year after year. Everyone in a school works together for one reason - the children and that is what PTA is all about! That is when a committee was formed by then Broward County Council PTA President, Donna Claussen and Chaired by Elinor Adler. Elinor thought all teachers should be recognized, by not just their peers, but parents and students as well. It is our children who reap the benefits of the knowledge and experience that their teachers have to offer.

Because of Elinor’s foresight, in that instance “Pat on the Back” was born, acknowledging all teachers by their parents, peers and students. This program sparked interest in Broward County PTA Schools like wildfire; and in keeping with the rich traditions and history of the Broward County Council PTA, over the past 14 years we have honored hundreds of teachers from PTA/PTSAs.

Thanks to Elinor, PTA schools can recognize their instructional and non-instructional staff for going above and beyond and giving our children the knowledge to succeed in life. Thank you, to our Instructional and Non-Instructional Staff!