The School District of Manatee County named USF Sarasota-Manatee alum Joshua Bennett
Principal of the Year. Bennett, who has served as the principal for Braden River Elementary
School since 2019, graduated from USF in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in special
education, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders and in 2004 with a master's
degree in educational leadership.
“USF prepared me well for my career in education,” said Bennett. “I had a great learning
experience at the Sarasota-Manatee campus and in the numerous internships I completed
as part of the program.”
While at USF, Bennett built relationships with his professors and peers, many of whom
are now colleagues in the field.
“I had professors that were knowledgeable and supportive in the pursuits of my goals
and I was always able to reach out for additional support when needed,” he said.
Before accepting his position at Braden River Elementary School, Bennett served as
principal of Bashaw Elementary, as well as assistant principal at Bayshore and Kinnan
elementary schools, and ESE teacher at Mills, Bashaw and Oneco elementary schools.
He has been with the school district since first graduating from USF in 1999.
Jessica Kane of Palm View K-8 was named assistant principal of the year. Both Bennett
and Kane are eligible for the Florida Department of Education’s Principal and Assistant
Principal of the Year programs.
The Principal and Assistant Principal Achievement Awards for Outstanding Leadership
recognize exemplary school administrators for their contributions to their schools
and communities, according to the Florida Department of Education. The program honors
leaders who have spearheaded initiatives to increase student performance, promote
safe learning environments and establish partnerships with parents and community members.
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