2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala
PRESENTED BY FLORIDA PREPAID COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS
Florida’s Teacher of the Year Program annual events conclude each year with the announcement of the state’s most celebrated educator. The 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala took place at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida on the evening of Thursday, July 17th, 2025, with Commissioner of Education Anastatsios Kamoutsas making the announcement.
special awards
2025 OUTSTANDING TEACHER LEADER AWARD
Jennifer Morrow, Indian River County
Presented by Frank Brogran, Former Florida Lt. Governor, Kathy Hebda, Division of Florida Colleges Chancellor, and Eve Nieto, Florida Department of Education
The Outstanding Teacher Leader Award was established to honor the legacy of educators whose passion for teaching and learning inspired everyone they met and whose leadership has gifted our profession with the invaluable inheritance of continuously better teaching.
This year’s recipient, Jennifer Morrow, is a 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher with over 26 years of teaching experience and is a National-Board Certified Teacher, a Professional Learning Leader and a Florida Department of Education High Impact Teacher. Through Ms. Morrow’s innovative teaching practices and a focus on real-world applications, she helps students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and independent learners.
2025 CFEF “INVESTED IN EXCELLENCE” AWARD
Kayla Stanford, Santa Rosa County
Presented by Amity Schuyler, President and CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, and Mariota Theodoris, Florida Power & Light Company
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations “Invested in Excellence Award” is presented to a teacher who has a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, their school and their community.
This year’s recipient, Kayla Stanford, challenges the academically gifted and encourages the struggling students to reach the high bar she sets for them. Her students consistently achieve some of the highest proficiency and learning gains in the school. Kayla mentors beginning teachers, volunteers at her school and community organizations, serving on the boards of the Santa Rosa Education Foundation and Take Stock in Children, which further extends her reach across the district. Kayla Stanford exemplifies what it means to be invested in excellence.
2025 EDUCATOR LEGACY AWARD
Kimberly Stalker, Palm Beach County
Presented by Rebecca Matthews, Vice President of Automated Health Systems and Chair of the Florida Education Foundation and Chair of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees
The Educator Legacy Award is presented to an educator dedicated to improving the decision-making, critical thinking and civic responsibility of their students, making sure they are prepared and ready for the future. This year’s honoree is Kimberly Stalker, a 6th grade STEM and Pre Engineering Teacher. Ms. Stalker is an enthusiastic educator who consistently puts her students first. Her commitment to providing the best possible learning experiences is evident in her innovative methods and her ability to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning. As the face of the engineering department, she actively recruits students to the program, ensuring they receive authentic educational experiences that inspire and motivate.
2025 EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD
Vincent Taylor, Duval County
Presented by Christie Bassett, 2015 Florida Teacher of the Year
The Excellence in Service Award honors one educator who consistently goes above and beyond expectations. This individual not only excels in the classroom but also actively serves and uplifts the community in which they teach.
Vincent Taylor is the recipient of the Excellence in Service Award. With over 28 years of teaching experience, Mr. Taylor has worked to improve math proficiency across grade levels, using innovative strategies that engage students and make learning accessible to all. He is an author of 12 children’s books and his video, “I am Proud to be a Teacher”, shares his enthusiasm for the education profession.
WATCH THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR GALA ON THEFLORIDACHANNEL.ORG
