Principal Griffith, Mr. Baxa, Ms. Sherline and Ms. Stone marched from the main hall to the science hall this morning during first period to surprise the 2022 Teacher of the Year with flowers, cake and a certificate to commemorate her hard work, not only during the this school year, but throughout her teaching career.

Nicole Sorto, a teacher at McCallum since 1993 and science department chair since 2019, was recognized with the title of Teacher of the Year today.

“I was completely caught off guard, I wasn’t even thinking about that,” Sorto said. “I’m just super honored, and really happy.”

Ms. Sorto was not the only teacher recognized by her peers. Spanish teacher Daniel Fuentes and English department chair Diana Adamson were also nominated as finalists for Teacher of the Year on Jan. 6.

Sorto said she was honored to be in a group with the other nominees.

“[They] are amazing,” Sorto said. “To just be nominated is pretty incredible.”

Adamson expressed happiness that Sorto won the award. She recalled a memory that demonstrates why Sorto deserves today’s honor.

“One time I accidentally texted her instead of Nikki Northcutt that I was running late and asked her to sit with my class until I got there. And Niki Sorto, no questions asked, did it. I got to my room about 15 minutes late, and there she was.”

The story, Adamson said, exemplifies why Sorto is special.

“Niki Sorto is the most kind and caring person that I know,” Adamson said. “There are so many times when I have talked with Niki about life, and she is always there [for me].”

Adamson said Sorto offers the same presence for her students.

Mac counselor Mindy Croom, who retired after 17 years at Mac before returning this semester, concurred with that assessment.

“I recognize Mrs. Sorto to be a gift,” Croom said. “She has always been student-centered with the willingness to help any and every child find success. She has one of the most positive attitudes of anyone I know. Every time I see her, she always has a smile on her face.”

She’s not the only one in the wake of today’s news.

“Never heard anything but praise for Ms. Sorto,” Adamson said. “She is the perfect teacher of the year.”