By Jamie Malernee
and Peter Bernard Education Writers

March 1, 2002

FORT LAUDERDALE -- Social studies teacher Connie Hines has never been one to shrink from a challenge, say those who know her.

She loves teaching students at Sunrise Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, even though that age group is often considered "difficult."

She even requested a transfer to the school at a time when many Broward County teachers were fleeing west, away from the poverty and challenges many east side schools face, colleagues say.

Those were just some of the reasons used Thursday to explain why Hines was awarded the title of Broward County Teacher of the Year for 2003.

Following a flurry of hugs and cheers at the announcement, Hines gave what some called a brave acceptance speech -- on one hand acknowledging the fact that she is gay by thanking her partner, and on the other hand issuing a call to action for other educators.

"I have one more challenge for you," she said to an audience of about 1,200 school employees at the Broward County Convention Center. "I want you to go back to your schools and find another one of us who is thinking about resigning, because we have a hard profession, and I want you to show them what you already know: That teaching is a great profession."

That attitude -- caring, yet tough -- is what has endeared many students and fellow teachers to Hines, who called the award a "validation" of all she has struggled to do in her 13 years as a teacher.

Hines' students were busy taking a quiz at the Fort Lauderdale school when the announcement went out over the intercom, with the quiet room suddenly breaking out in whoops as students celebrated.

"We all knew she was going to win because she's a great teacher," said student Shenika Theoc, 13. "I'm very proud of her."

In the classroom, Hines, 39, has been recognized for her efforts in promoting citizenship. After Sept. 11, her class made "freedom bracelets," which they sold to benefit the American Red Cross. They had a community rally, reading letters to victims of the tragedy, and organized a food drive to help more than 150 families get through the resulting economic slump.

Outside of the classroom, Hines, who became a national board certified teacher this year, also founded the Making Connections support group for teachers at the school.

First-year social studies and language arts teacher Tammy Ramirez credits Hines with helping her make a smooth adjustment to her new career.

"I was having some discipline problems in my classroom earlier in the year," Ramirez said. "She videotaped me in the classroom, surveyed the students, and we came up with new strategies for me to use in the classroom. She is an incredibly patient and organized person."

Hines chose to share another personal aspect of her life with those who attended Thursday's award ceremony.

Upon taking the stage, Hines acknowledged her school's principal, her father, mother and then -- after taking a big gulp of air -- thanked her partner, who is also a teacher at Sunrise Middle.

School district officials said they have no way of knowing if Hines is the first gay or openly gay teacher to win the district's top award because sexuality is not an issue in the process.

But Hines said she was proud to have won the award and hoped the fact that she succeeded despite being openly gay sent a positive message.

"It's important," she said, "because sometimes the gay issue is used against us. If me being out helps another teacher come out, it's worth it."

Jamie Malernee can be reached at jmalernee@sun-sentinel.com  or 954-385-7910.

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