Florida Department of Education

Today, Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. announced August’s chosen books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools. Learn more and see previous selections at fldoe.org/bookofthemonth.

Welcome back Florida students and teachers! Wishing you a successful and rewarding school year!

As recovery efforts continue following Tropical Storm Debby, districts are making it a priority to reopen schools as quickly as possible. For the latest information, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.

Up-to-date information from our school districts, state colleges and universities regarding Tropical Storm Debby is available at fldoe.org/storminfo.

As the state prepares for potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, the latest information on school closures can be found at fldoe.org/storminfo.

Last week, teachers from across the state gathered for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable and Gala. This was a tremendous week of professional learning, fun activities, inspiring speakers, and naming our statewide winner. Thank you to our sponsors for elevating Florida’s world-class educators!

Happy Paperback Book Day! From classic novels to modern thrillers, paperbacks offer endless adventures. Get lost in a great paperback book this summer!

Tonight, Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. named Jaime Suarez as the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. Jaime was selected from nearly 185,000 public school teachers and will serve Florida in the coming year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. Read more: bit.ly/3LCRNzd.

The 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year is Jaime Suarez, a math teacher in Hernando County! Congratulations!

Hernando Schools

Congrats to Cassi McGee of Escambia County Public Schools on receiving the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Leadership Award at the Gala! This award is given to a teacher who believes that every student deserves to have a teacher that is better than the best teacher any of us ever had.

Congratulations to Gerard Madrinan of Pinellas County Schools for being recognized as the 2024 Mary J. Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award recipient. This award is presented to a teacher who exemplifies excellence and dedication.

The 2024 Ron Nieto Digital Educator Award has been awarded to Lindsey Laurino of St. Lucie Public Schools. Lindsey excels in using technology in the classroom to positively impact student outcomes. Congratulations, Lindsey!

Congratulations to Emily Fagerstrom of Volusia County Schools on being named the 2024 “Invested in Excellence Award” recipient. This award, recognized by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, is presented to an educator who expands learning opportunities for students.

Andrea Polanco of Collier County Public School District is the recipient of the Liz Moya Life Skills and Citizenship Award at the Gala. Andrea is a teacher dedicated to improving the civic responsibility of her students and preparing them for the future.

The 2025 Teacher of the Year Gala presented by Florida Prepaid College Plans is LIVE NOW! Join us as we honor all 74 District Teachers of the Year and name our 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year: thefloridachannel.org

Who will be Florida’s next Teacher of the Year? Tune in on The Florida Channel tonight at 7:00 PM EST to find out!

Live broadcast: thefloridachannel.org

Thank you to Adrianna Swearingen for serving Florida as the 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year! You have brilliantly encouraged, supported and advocated for students and educators throughout the state!

Thank you to our sponsors Publix, HCA Florida Healthcare, Comcast and JM Family Enterprises for sponsoring the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable and keeping our educators well-fed and celebrated!

Our fifth is Heather Stewart. Heather teaches science and aerospace at Paxton School in Walton County.

Walton County School District, Florida

This morning, the District Teachers of the Year heard from Secretary John Davis and Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. on the Bright Futures Scholarship and the power it has to change the lives of students. Thank you, Florida Lottery for your continued support!

Our fourth is Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is geometry teacher at Forest High School in Marion County.

Marion County Public Schools

Thank you to our supporters in education Helios Education Foundation for your continued dedication to the Florida Teacher of the Year Program. The Commissioner’s Reception is filled with the best educators in Florida!

Members of our Network have arrived to welcome the 2025 District Teachers of the Year!

Dr. Clayton Nylund is our third . Dr. Nylund teaches high school physics and engineering at Howard W. Blake High School in Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County Public Schools

We would like to thank Sunshine Health for sponsoring Family FUN Night for our 2025 Florida District Teachers of the Year and their families!

Today, the State Board of Education voted to approve updated school grading scale used to determine school grades. School grades for the 2023-24 school year demonstrate that Florida schools continue to show improvement over last year. Read the full release: bit.ly/46lVh2E

Next up in our is Jaime Suarez. She is a middle school math and science teacher at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics in Hernando County.

Hernando Schools

As the are participating in the Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable week, we would like to thank our 2025 sponsors.

Today, Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. welcomed Florida’s 74 District Teachers of the Year to a week of celebration and professional learning! Follow along as we honor Florida’s top educators.

Our first is Sam Nelson. She is a 5th grade teacher at Florida State University Schools - FSUS.