"I got the school teacher blues, and I got nothing to lose but my pay."

Shane Swezey, Sarasota County’s 2019 Teacher of the Year, was one of five finalists for the Florida Teacher of the Year honor, awarded Thursday evening at an event in Orlando.

Swezey, who teaches music at Oak Park School, ultimately was not selected for the statewide award, but he walked away with $15,000 and highlighted the efforts special needs teachers are making to connect with students with profound disabilities.

In a video that played at the event, Swezey said he viewed his job to be showing patience, kindness and gentleness to students who may not receive that from everyone they encounter.

“If I can just be a small picture of grace to them, I really am doing my job,” Swezey said.

Read more at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune