LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Linda Peterson

Position: Retiring Seventh Grade Science Teacher
School: Sawgrass Springs Middle School
School District: Broward County Public Schools
City, State: Coral Springs, FL

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Music that Describes Linda

Linda Peterson received multiple nominations, one from Judy Bremner.

"Linda lives for her students," said Bremner. "I can attest that she spends thousands of dollars to make sure her students learn the concepts. Linda is retiring this year, and it will be a great loss for our school community. Linda has helped to make Sawgrass Springs a beautiful campus. She spearheaded the building of a butterfly garden and an outdoor tortoise preserve. She treats the tortoises like her own 'babies'; I often joke that those tortoises eat better than I do!"

"Linda is so committed to her job. Last year, during the pandemic, we met for hours so that we could prepare online modules for her students to learn from home during Covid," said Bremner. "I've never seen someone so dedicated to their career. Linda Peterson, you are definitely a LifeChanger!"

She was also nominated by her colleague Marcia Richards.

"Ms. Linda Peterson is a change agent," said Richards. "She goes beyond the call of duty to meet students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders' needs. As an innovator, Ms. Peterson uses her personal resources to supplement her science curriculum and school improvement projects."

Around school, she is often seen bringing in mulch, flowers, plants, and other resources for beautification projects. In addition, she created a habitat for turtles. Providing food and taking care of the turtles are other duties Ms. Peterson has integrated into her daily school routines.

Ms. Peterson gives unselfishly to various school initiatives. Her willingness to be of support to others is beyond measure. As a servant-leader Ms. Peterson provides invaluable support to her colleagues.

Ms. Peterson is a valuable asset to our institution and profession. She will be truly missed. Already, she has begun to work on how she can continue to provide support to the school. Currently, she is seeking funding for a grant that will help her to continue the school's beautification project and volunteering.

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Comments (11)

David Fink Posted over a year ago

Lina Peterson works all day everyday to make sure her students have what they need to learn and enjoy learning too. There are numerous obstacles that are thrown at teachers every day, and Linda takes those obstacles and clear them no longer how long it takes. Why does she do this? She cares: for the profession, her colleagues but most importantly about her students. In addition to her work for the students, she is always looking for ways to show her colleagues that they are cared for. As Co Chair Of our schools "Sunshine Committee" she is always organizing fundraisers for others who are in need, planning celebrations for others and looking for ways to improve the school climate. I am sure they will hire a new Life Science teacher, but nobody can replace Mrs. Peterson. Enjoy retirement!

Georgette Hamm Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Peterson is one of the most kind-hearted and supportive person here at Sawgrass Springs Middle School. She is a consummate professional that puts her students first and will go above and beyond to help them attain their highest achievements. She has been a great asset to our school and she will surely be missed when she retires. I wish her all the best as she moves on to the next chapter of her life.

James Cecil Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Peterson is an amazing teacher who strives to connect her science curriculum to the real world. She is an active member of a local wildlife animal hospital, The Sawgrass Nature Center, and she is able to bring the students there to study wildlife and sometimes wildlife to the students. In addition to being and amazing teacher in the classroom, she works with our Environmental Club to proved learning experiences to students before and after school hours. Her students take care of our various gardens and animal sanctuaries on campus. She is an amazing teacher and person.

Emily Riedmayer Posted over a year ago

LifeChanger does not even begin to describe Linda Peterson. The number of students that have been impacted by her generosity, care and phenomenal teaching cannot be counted. Beyond the classroom she is a huge part of why Sawgrass Springs is a family. I believe she absolutely fulfills the "criteria" of a LifeChanger.

Lisett C. Llovera Posted over a year ago

Your dedication and perseverance with the students are worthy of admiration. I am proud to work with such a simple and humble human being who gives everything in the search for better education and a better relationship between those of us who live in the school. May God bless so much effort and abnegation.

Laura Bustamante Posted over a year ago

Linda is by far the most generous person I have ever met. She does so much for our students, faculty, and school. She will be so missed at school by our students and staff. If anyone deserves recognition of all their hard work, it's Linda.

Denise Aber Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Peterson, no words can say how many lives you have changed. So many children now are more aware of environmental hazards, gardening, pollinators, watershed, and South Florida's challenges in the future. The level of hands-on engagement and doing labs, and staying until almost 6 to set up and coming in early being the head of our school Sunshine Committee. You have brought happiness, support, hope, to students and every teacher who had the honor of working with you. I must also mention how many times you donated to Sawgrass Nature Center and served on its board, and sponsoring children for field trips and summer camps. Your collaboration with the Nature Center has been amazing to bring in the rescued wildlife to truly engage children.

Dariel Haggerty Posted over a year ago

I have to agree with everything that Judy has said. She is so dedicated and worries about her students. She worries about the staff also. She makes sure we have a little "sunshine" in our day. She is always willing to go the extra mile to do what is right for the student. She truly will be missed.

Elyn Lautin Posted over a year ago

I am a new teacher and started in the middle of the year. Ms. Peterson was one of the people to go above and beyond helping me get settled, introducing me to staff, setting my expectations and being a tremendous support. She is always actively helping students and staff alike, with a big smile on her face and a "can do" attitude. I aspire to grow into the amazing teaching professional Ms. Peterson exemplifies.

Kamiah Hodge Posted over a year ago

Linda Peterson is a gem! She is an extremely creative educator who brings her subject area to life. Her students regularly engage in hands-on projects and she has even worked with a community partner to bring live animals into her classroom! Linda also plays a pivotal role in faculty events. She has helped to facilitate end-of-the-year celebrations, birthdays, and baby showers! She thoroughly enjoys celebrating others and deserves to be recognized!

Luisa E Vergara-Kupka Posted over a year ago

Linda Peterson goes above and beyond in everything she does at Sawgrass Springs Middle. She irreplaceable!!!!