Sarasota Military Academy teacher chosen as part of United Nations education initiative

SARASOTA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Sarasota teacher has just received a prestigious international honor for his impact on students.

Dr. Todd Brown teaches 8th grade at Sarasota Military Academy.

He's only been at the head of the classroom for seven years, but his efforts extend well beyond those years.

"It's the profession that creates all the others professions," Dr. Brown explained.

He was selected as a Sustainable Development Ambassador Teacher for the United Nations, of which there are 100 around the world.

Their goals are to educate students, alleviate poverty, and encourage gender equality throughout the global community.

"It's really something I'm hoping will bring the county together [and] the school system together to work and collaborate on a very, very large scale," Dr. Brown said.

He is the only teacher selected from Florida.

The head of school at Sarasota Military Academy, Tom Vara said, "It speaks volumes for what Todd has done and what he has to offer to others in the educational world."

Dr. Brown hopes his students understand their education is more than just textbooks.

"It's meaningful and hopefully the kids will understand the impact and what kind of impact that they can provide for the community," he said.

Dr. Brown is teaching his students - through hard work and determination, you can accomplish any goal.