Today at Crestwood High School, teachers and staff from across the district gathered for a professional development session led by the dynamic and renowned educator, Dr. Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa. Known as “The Lab Coat Teacher” and affectionately called “Miss Dorito” by her students around the world, Dorina has spent the past 27 years empowering students and teachers alike with her unique teaching style. A Nationally Recognized Educator and Florida Teacher of the Year, Dorina has traveled the globe, bringing her expertise in culturally responsive teaching and emotional intelligence (EI) to classrooms at every level.
Dorina’s presentation focused on building culturally responsible classrooms through the lens of emotional intelligence and connection to community. She emphasized that teaching is not just about academics; it’s about understanding the “lenses of life” that each student brings to the classroom. Dorina encouraged educators to see beyond the surface and to use their “teacher lens” to build relationships that foster trust, respect, and successful learning outcomes. Her B.E.L.I.E.V.E.!® philosophy—Be the Educators who Lead to Inspire and Empower Via Excellence—resonated deeply, reminding staff that culturally responsive teaching requires more than simply acknowledging diversity; it requires active, intentional strategies to make each student feel valued and understood.
Throughout the session, Dorina provided practical tools for educators to incorporate into their classrooms, such as differentiated instruction and student-led discussions that connect learning to real-life experiences. She highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel seen and supported both academically and emotionally.
One of the most impactful messages from Dorina’s session was the idea that emotional intelligence, empathy, and connection are key elements in fostering student success. By helping teachers understand how to navigate cultural differences and build stronger classroom relationships, Dorina empowered Crestwood educators to take their teaching to the next level. The day’s training left teachers motivated and equipped with new strategies to create classrooms where every student has the opportunity to thrive, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well.
As Crestwood School District continues to prioritize equity and inclusion, today’s professional development marked an important step forward in ensuring that all students feel valued and supported. Thanks to Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa’s inspiring message and practical tools, the district’s educators are more prepared than ever to lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence in the classroom.
