Science teacher Ivo Decarlis now has a new title: JHop’s Emerging Teacher of the Year.

According to the Pinellas County School’s website, the Emerging Teacher of the Year program honors exemplary new teachers who are in their second, third or fourth year of teaching and have demonstrated excellence through the representation of the districts’ core values.

Mr. Decarlis told the JHop Times that he was caught off guard by the distinction.

“I was so surprised I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was sixth period the Friday before spring break and I then walked into my room with balloons and music,” he said. “ I was so surprised and happy that they recognized me like that.”

Principal Britnee Scott called Mr.Decarlis “the epitome of the GEM of the South”.

“Students beat down his door to engage with him, he is ALWAYS delivering rigorous content to students, no matter when you enter his class,” she said. “It is truly a pleasure to have him representing us as Emerging Teacher of the Year.”

Many of Decarlis’ students said he makes learning fun and easy for them.

“I definitely want to be passionate to students just like him in my future, and I think he is perfect for the middle school environment for helping kids along the way,” eighth-grader Marisol Tobienne said.

Eighth-grader Anthony Lambert said he’s never been afraid to ask Mr. Decarlis for help.

“He makes learning very interactive, and I think his teaching style is what makes his class so fun,” he said.