MELISSA MATZ, CLAY COUNTY, 2023
Ms. Matz has served as the Lakeside Junior High School math department head and leadership team member since 2015. She is the chairperson for Lakeside’s School Advisory Committee, a cooperating teacher for college interns, and a school representative for district curriculum-map writing. She believes that building rapport with each of her students is an essential step in the process of teaching math, and she makes it a point to speak with each student as they enter her classroom. Ms. Matz takes the approach that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and taking positive risks are how extraordinary gains are achieved.
Sarah PAinter, Pinellas County, 2022
Sarah Painter began her teaching career in Pinellas County in 2003 after completing a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. As a fifth-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School, Mrs. Painter focused on creating a culture of teamwork in her classroom and developing deep and lasting connections with her students and families. Mrs. Painter currently serves as a teacher leader for both district-wide and school-based initiatives that promote access and achievement through data-driven instruction. In her new role as Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coach at Eisenhower Elementary, Mrs. Painter works alongside teachers, coaching them to use their student outcome data to make instructional decisions. Sarah received a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida in 2012.
Krista Stanley, okeechobee County, 2021
During her time with the Okeechobee County School District, Krista developed her teaching practices and has become a leader within the district. She is a coach for her colleagues, a mentor for new teachers, a team leader for the other sixth-grade teachers and a district math representative. In addition, Krista supports her colleagues through curriculum development, textbook adoption and professional learning. Using a standards-based approach, Krista has a passion for not only supporting other teachers, but also choosing the most effective instructional practices to ensure all her students receive a high quality education.
Dakeyan Graham, HILLSBOROUGH county, 2020
Dr. Graham served as the Director of Instrumental Studies at his alma mater, C. Leon King High School, where he has been an educator for 10 years. Throughout his time with Hillsborough County Public Schools, his students have demonstrated determination and focus, earning an opportunity to perform in the prestigious Carnegie Hall. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education (University of Florida), a Master’s in Educational Leadership (Concordia University) and a PhD in Music Education (University of South Florida).
Joy Prescott, GLADES COUNTY, 2019
Joy Prescott has been an elementary educator for 17 years. Since 2014, she has served as a fourth grade math teacher at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, where she has been commended for her dynamic teaching style; her ability to engage students through “out-of-the-box” activities; and her impeccable work ethic. Over the last 5 years, she has participated in more than 25 student-focused professional learning programs to enhance the instruction she provides her students.
Tammy Jerkins, lake county, 2018
Tammy's love of teaching goes beyond mathematics. The relationships she builds within the classroom and school community make school her happy place. Tammy's students see someone who loves her job, accepts and loves all students, and is willing to go the extra mile to help them. The love of teaching and mathematics extends to her family as well. Three of her children are also teachers.
Jessica solano, polk county, 2017
A typical lesson in Jessica’s classroom has students actively solving for mathematical concepts presented through real-world tasks. She rarely gives direct instruction into new concepts, but rather, presents a situation to her class and guides students through identifying the new concept based on observations, critical thinking questions, and previous learning experiences. Students in Jessica’s class are excited to be given such an active role in their learning by taking ownership over the concepts being taught rather than sitting by as mere receivers of knowledge.
diane mckee, hillsborough county, 2016
Upon entering Diane’s classroom, the red bar swinging from the ceiling just beyond the doorway is the first thing everyone notices, especially students. Each day, students leap from the floor to tap a hand on the bar, smiles beaming when contact is made. While the term, “Raise the Bar” has been used in education for many years, it is Diane’s ability to remind the students of this goal daily that sets her apart from others.
christie bassett, polk county, 2015
Christie believes that a teacher is a fiber in the overall fabric of a school - a virtual golden thread that connects a student to their community, school, fellow students and the learning opportunities surrounding them. Christie elaborates, "A teacher that is interlaced and intricately woven will never fray, building upon these fibers to create a solid garment that can warm an entire school and even a community."
Dorina Sackman, orange County, 2014
National Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2015
"Believe. B.E.L.I.E.V.E. Be the Educators who Live to Inspire and Empower Via Excellence." This is Dorina's motto for all Florida teachers to live by for the 2013-2014 school year as we continue to believe in our children. Dorina has been educating and believing in English Language Learners from all around the globe. From third grade to seniors in high school, she treats her classrooms as a stage for children to celebrate their diverse backgrounds while still learning English and the necessary skills to become lifelong learners.
The Florida Teacher of the Year Program began in 1967 and honors outstanding classroom teachers. Florida District Teachers of the Year are recognized as an expert in their field and have demonstrated a superior capacity to guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to academic excellence. In accordance with Florida Statutes section 1012.77, the bureau coordinates the nomination and selection of the Florida Teacher of the Year and the Finalists. The Florida Teacher of the Year also serves as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. In this role, s/he serves as a goodwill ambassador representing the Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.