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It is our distinct pleasure to congratulate the 2026 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year and Teacher of Year. Their dedication to excellence in education is what has driven us to support teachers and students in Hillsborough County for more than 35 years. They, and their colleagues before them, have helped shape the future for our students and raised the bar for those who follow.
OFFICERS
Sean Shaw| Chair Vice Chair
Mark Fernandez | Treasurer
Maureen Butler, PhD | Secretary President & CEO
DIRECTORS
Van Ayres
Betty Castor
Tommy Chuck
Nadia Combs
Rep. Fentrice D. Driskell
James Few
Sol J. Fleischman, Jr.
Jackie Gilbert
Kim Huff
Tina James
Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.
Rob Kriete
Nina Lacevic
Dr. Anne Lenz
Drew Marshall
William “Bert” McBride
Chon Nguyen
Ankit Patel
Ted Stasney
Joel K. Stephens
Kevin H. Sutton
Chris Taylor
Kimberly D. Thresher, B.C.S. Construction Law
Mandy Weitknecht
EMERITUS
Tom R. Dorety
Doretha Edgecomb
Sue House
DJ Johnson
Gov. Bob Martinez
Mary Sue Rothenberg
or call (813) 574-0260.
We are so excited to celebrate our district’s outstanding employees at Hillsborough Education Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Education Awards in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Every year, we look forward to honoring our amazing educators and school staff and reflecting on the impactful work they have been able to accomplish to continue to make a difference in students’ lives.
Out of 690 nominations from schools across the county, 13 educators and support personnel are being recognized as finalists with three being named winners in their categories.
We would like to congratulate our 2026 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year winners and everyone who was nominated by their schools for going above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our students.
It is an honor to be selected from more than 23,000 phenomenal teachers and staff. We applaud each of you who works to strengthen public education, create equity and empower our students to achieve academic and personal success, and we thank our Excellence in Education Awards sponsors who make this special celebration possible.
Jessica Vaughn
Anna Corman Sean Shaw Van AyresKaren Perez President & CEO Chair Superintendent Chair
Henry “Shake” Washington
Lynn Gray
Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Instructional Support Employee of the Year
April Campbell
Jennings Middle Community Resource Teacher
JenniferGiannone
Newsome High AVID Academic Teacher
Adrian Sarmiento
Morgan High Workforce Program Advisor
Julie Holubetz
Reddick Elementary Lunchroom Aide
Shakiera Scott
Palm RiverElementary Secretary IV
Daniel Webb
Francesca Doran
Symmes Elementary Access Points Teacher
Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served HCPS for 7 years. Born on Hill Air Force Base in Utah and raised in Tampa, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and a master’s in Exceptional Student Education, both from the University of South Florida, graduating Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s.
Ché is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events, and a school garden. She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. Ché is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.
Westchase Elementary Security Officer Melissa DeGusipe
Rochelle Phillips
Willis Peters Exceptional Center LPN
Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for HCPS for 21 years, 14 of those as a nurse at Willis Peters Exceptional Center. Mary was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She received her diploma for Practical Nursing at Fortis College.
One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for Childhood Cancer. Along with her church group, she adopts a family every Christmas going through childhood cancer. This is done in memory of her youngest daughter Sierra. Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down syndrome and passed away at the age of 9 from Leukemia.
Her other motivation is her students. Working with students with special needs is an honor. Getting to know them and how pure their love is for others is truly amazing.
Christi Atkinson was born in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a B.S. in Marine Biology and an M.Ed. in Physical Education from The University of Houston.
Christi is married to David and has twin boys, Cristopher and Mikel. She has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, 9 years at Wharton, with the last 4 years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science NHS and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association. Christi has participated in trainings offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium, and NOAA exploration.
Christi is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment as well as challenging her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.
Ida S. Baker was the first African American to serve as Deputy Superintendent in the Florida Department of Education. She was known for her efforts to support underserved students and encourage academic success. In her honor, each school site may nominate an individual who embodies the pioneering spirit of Ida S. Baker by going above and beyond to meet the needs of our diverse student population.
Ann Keen
Adum K-8
Sarah Balmes
Alafia Elementary
Milad Hussein
Alexander Elementary
Kenneth Cembalest Juarbe
Alonso High
Maryam Hope
Anderson Elementary
Elio Crespo Valladares
Aparicio-Levy Technical College
Karen Sochor
Apollo Beach K-8
Salvador Betancourt
Armwood High
Araceli Gomez-Sanchez
B.T. Washington Elementary
Rhonda Jett
Bailey Elementary
June Scanlon
Ballast Point Elementary
Evanyl Burgos-Halm
Barrington Middle
Carolyn Delgado
Bay Crest Elementary
Melissa Soler
Bellamy Elementary
Pam Brueggeman
Belmont Elementary
Patricia Brown Denis
Benito Middle
Amelia Mowery
Bevis Elementary
Amber Rodgers
Bing Elementary
Michele McMoneagle
Blake High
Becky Johnson
Bloomingdale High
Jill Nicosia
Boyette Springs Elementary
Lauren McKelvey Leto
Brandon High
Samelia Davis
Brandon Success Center
Amparito Hernandez
Brewster Technical College
Brittney Hart
Brooker Elementary
Areon Atkinson
Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High
Tonya LaShawn Mack
Broward Elementary
Sheila Anderson Bates
Bryan Plant City Elementary
Sara Frasca
Bryant Elementary
Devendra Veda
Buchanan Middle
Tausha Honey Buckhorn Elementary
William Cook, Sr.
Burnett Middle
Lilia Zamora Burney Elementary
Kimberly Hemphill
Burns Middle
Xiomara Mills
Caminiti Exceptional Center
Karen Salesky
Cannella Elementary
Maggie Hinchliffe
Carrollwood K-8
Andrea Daymond
Carver Exceptional Center
Linda Williams
Chamberlain High
Renee Bostwick
Chiaramonte Elementary
Dannielle Zettles Vega
Chiles Elementary
Amber Roush
Cimino Elementary
Alexandra Craveiro
Citrus Park Elementary
John Paret
Clair Mel Elementary
Donna Clark
Clark Elementary
Lexie Wells
Claywell Elementary
Elaina Lambrianakos
Coleman Middle
Harry Bounds
Collins PK-8
Kimberly Benton
Colson Elementary
Corie Delgado
Cork Elementary
Miriam Trejo
Corr Elementary
Ginina Arroyo
Crestwood Elementary
Brittany Leon
Cypress Creek Elementary
Porolle Valdes
Davidsen Middle
Christine Lotito
Davis Elementary
Splrenda Mitchell
Dawson Elementary
Brittani DeWeese
Deer Park Elementary
Melissa Watson
DeSoto Elementary
Vanessa Pacheco
Dickenson Elementary
Vanessa Mangroo
Doby Elementary
Chandler Rose Bradley
Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center
Irasema Iracheta
Dover Elementary
Rachele Roman
Dowdell Middle
Ashli Mendez
Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary
Dr. Jessica Kendal
Dunbar Elementary
Patricia Halisey
Durant High
Patrice Brown
East Bay High
Kristina McDowell
Edison Elementary
Jasmin Joy Ruger
Egypt Lake Elementary
Brandy Jackson Mordecai
Eisenhower Exceptional Center
Katia Gil
Eisenhower Middle
Patricia Williams
Erwin Technical College
Marla Jones
ESE Instructional Personnel
Summer Montgomery
Essrig Elementary
Katia Scoz
Farnell Middle
Dionne Moragne
Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy
Tracey Everhart
FishHawk Creek Elementary
Stephanie Leigh
Florida Connections Academy
Kenia Camacho Perez
Folsom Elementary
Wilmaury Gonzalez Campos
Forest Hills Elementary
Williams Perez Tejeda
Foster Elementary
Stephanie Powers
Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy
Virginia Díaz
Freedom High
Adetola Shokunbi
Frost Elementary
Julie Dumois-Sands
Gaither High
Karen Willis-Barrett
Gary Adult
Marie Ruck
Gibsonton Elementary
David Lowe
Giunta Middle
Marla Olitsky
Gorrie Elementary
Sasheera Eveland
Grady Elementary
Lauren Koppel
Graham Elementary
Jay McNair
Greco Middle
Dina Colegrove
Hammond Elementary
Julie Offers
Heritage Elementary
Johana Wright
Hillsborough High
Amanda Allen
Hillsborough Virtual
Mark Diba
Hillsborough Virtual
Jamie Suarez Hospital/Homebound/Homebased
Melissa Santiago
Hunter’s Green Elementary
Stephanie Rivera Ippolito Elementary
Allen Rudd, Jr.
Jackson Elementary
Kristina Raines
James Elementary
Claire Kelly
Jefferson High
April Campbell
Jennings Middle
Noemy Ortiz
Kenly Elementary
Alexandria Eldridge
King High
Harrison Shulla
Kingswood Elementary
Ashley Williams
Knights Elementary
Shelly Chirico Fields
Lake Magdalene Elementary
Yadira Dejesus
Lamb Elementary
Meagan Scudder Lanier Elementary
Erinn Michaelson LaVoy Exceptional Center
Giselda Montenegro
Leto High
Diana Quiles
Lewis Elementary
Katie Smith
Liberty Middle
Jennifer Hart
Limona Elementary
Heather Padgett
Lincoln Elementary
Barbara Mittelstadt
Lithia Springs Elementary
Sponsored By:
Tracey Tanner
Lockhart Elementary
Angel Loux
Lomax Elementary
Rachel Piccorelli
Lopez Elementary
David Rivas Rodriguez
Lopez Exceptional Center
Candice Flynn
Lowry Elementary
Sarah Garcia Lutz K-8
Angela Dingle
Mabry Elementary
Rhonda Glover
MacFarlane Park Elementary
Tessa Hunziker
Madison Middle
Tuyet Hernandez
Mango Elementary
Dr. Domenick Saia Maniscalco K-8
Anthony Walker Mann Middle
Jennifer Rodriguez Cruz
Marshall Middle
Amber Guenther
Martinez Middle
Rosa Peguero
McDonald Elementary
Gloria Figueroa
McKitrick Elementary
Leida Perez Alicea
Medical Academy at D.W. Waters
Lucinda Rio
Memorial Middle
Dana Pawlan
Mendenhall Elementary
Daphanne McCray Middleton High
Kelly Rashford
Miles Elementary
Enid Miranda Mintz Elementary
Caroline Oser
Mitchell Elementary
Adrian Sarmiento Morgan High
Nicole Pointer
Morgan Woods Elementary
Stacey Richards
Mort Elementary
Laura Romano Muller Elementary
Brandi Johnson Mulrennan Middle
Carole Pearce Nelson Elementary
Jennifer Giannone Newsome High
Nikole Sciortino
North Tampa Success Center
Mary Bianchi
Northwest Elementary
Margarita Miner
Oak Grove Elementary
Dr. Anedra Johnson
Oak Park Elementary
Darina Serille Glover Orange Grove Middle
Jaclyn Kozlowski
Palm River Elementary
Anahy Gutierrez
Patricia J. Sullivan Partnership
Adlin Chapman Consuegra Pierce Middle
Mayra Nieves Pinecrest Elementary
Christina Sparrock Pizzo K-8
Veronica Gutierrez Plant City High
Tiffany Lee Plant High
Godwin Stokes
Potter Elementary
Jessica White Pride Elementary
Nathania Carroll
Progress Village Middle
Niroshi Thibeaux Rampello K-8
Cynde Hardy
Randall Middle
Sara Kincaid Reddick Elementary
Brooke Vazquez
Riverhills Elementary
Somara Williams
Riverview Elementary
Pamela Smith
Riverview High
Donna Roberts
Robinson Elementary
Dr. Seleana Dehaney
Robinson High
Michelle Zayas
Robles Elementary
Dora Friedman
Rodgers Middle
Vanessa McNeil
Roland Park K-8
Lynn McIntyre
Roosevelt Elementary
Magali Garcia-Rosado
Ruskin Elementary
Melissa Baird
Schmidt Elementary
Kerry Cooper
Schwarzkopf Elementary
Xiomara Rosario
Seffner Elementary
Jessia English
Seminole Heights Elementary
Maria Ayala
Sessums Elementary
Samantha Monty
Sgt. Smith Middle
Dr. Kimberly Wiggs
Shaw Elementary
Andrea Hankerson
Sheehy Elementary
Marlena Pagan
Shields Middle
Cameron Coleman
Shore Elementary
Andrea Ojeda
Sickles High
D’Mario Henry
Sligh Middle
David Best
South County Career Acceleration Academy
Milagros Marrero Reyes
Spoto High
Mariza Arevalo
Springhead Elementary
Tiffany Southwell
Steinbrenner High
Luisa Jeske
Stewart Middle
Amy Brown
Stowers Elementary
Jodie Carleton
Strawberry Crest High
LaDashia Wilson
Sulphur Springs K-8
Julianna Lette
Summerfield Crossings Elementary
Sara Pacitti Mercer
Summerfield Elementary
Khrystina Zurita
Sumner High
Che Counce
Symmes Elementary
Candace Chatman Johnson
Tampa Bay Technical High
Jacqueline McGean
Tampa Heights Elementary
Stephanie Scheno
Tampa Palms Elementary
Kirby Hall
Temple Terrace Elementary
Barbara Bowman
Thonotosassa Elementary
Dawn Steele
Tinker K-8
Thomas Burky
Tomlin Middle
Jamie DiCarlo
Town & Country Elementary
Gloria Hasting
Trapnell Elementary
Karen Price
Turkey Creek Middle
Akshita Parag Kaplay
Turner/Bartels K-8
Dawn Rogers
Twin Lakes Elementary
Tina Livezey
Valrico Elementary
Joseph Willoughby
Walden Lake Elementary
Ingrid Amador
Walker Middle
Heather Manter
Webb Middle
Judith Bujnoski
West Shore Elementary
DeReca Thomas
West Tampa Elementary
Magda Orraca
Westchase Elementary
Ashanti Foresyth
Wharton High
Selina Brown
Williams Middle
Rebecca Nance
Willis Peters Exceptional Center
Mikayla Kalapuch
Wilson Elementary
Sarena Anderson
Wilson Middle
Susana De La Mota
Wimauma Elementary
Lisa Flanigan
Witter Elementary
Eliana Kirkland
Woodbridge Elementary
Brittany Morgan
Woodson K-8
Shana Creel
Yates Elementary
Stephanie Austin
York PK-8 Innovation Academy
Lakisha Woods-Jones
Young Middle
Shanon Bowen
Youth Services
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Instructional support personnel are recognized for ensuring students and schools have the proper care and services available to promote an enriched and safe environment. Each school may nominate a person who supports the district through administration, transportation or health services. The winner of the award will go on to compete for the title at the state and, potentially, national levels.
Laura Crook
Alafia Elementary
Alain Dominguez Rodriguez
Alexander Elementary
Sandra Garboni Alonso High
Marilyn Rivera
Anderson Elementary
Jill Bowling
Aparicio-Levy Technical College
Everly Mendez-Rivera Apollo Beach K-8
Tania Morales Cruz Armwood High
Rafael Zamora Garcia
B.T. Washington Elementary
Karina Trejo
Bailey Elementary
Kristi Bonser
Ballast Point Elementary
Linda Metz
Bay Crest Elementary
Evelyn Rivera
Bellamy Elementary
Alba Molina
Belmont Elementary
Stephanie Rivera Benito Middle
Aida Cerezo
Bevis Elementary
Virginlene McDaniel
Bing Elementary
Nikita Williams
Blake High
Coleen Petree
Bloomingdale High
Maria Flores
Boyette Springs Elementary
Precious Jefferson
Brandon High
Anthony Cole
Brandon Success Center
David Gerena
Brewster Technical College
Marinelly Allende Parrilla
Brooker Elementary
Melissa Graham
Bryan Plant City Elementary
Tania Rosario Buchanan Middle
Amanda Harris Buckhorn Elementary
Lisa Vieland Burnett Middle
Lesley Gallegos Burney Elementary
Lourdes Cruz Burns Middle
Nancy Gonzalez
Caminiti Exceptional Center
Luis Cruz Castaneda Cannella Elementary
Lazara Loyola
Carrollwood K-8
Chassity Archie Carver Exceptional Center
Yusimy Garrido
Chamberlain High
Sonia Gonzalez
Chiaramonte Elementary
Yvonne Moose
Chiles Elementary
Yulanda Minnifield
Cimino Elementary
Wanda Ponce
Citrus Park Elementary
Tonika Plair-Barber
Clair Mel Elementary
Casey Buskey
Clark Elementary
Sonia Asbrand
Claywell Elementary
Sara Dejesus
Coleman Middle
Aniette Robles Seda
Collins PK-8
Elsie De Jesus-Cruz Colson Elementary
Jacob Boggs
Cork Elementary
Mei-Ling Larizadeh
Corr Elementary
Ana Acevedo
Cypress Creek Elementary
Lazara Gomez-Prado
Davidsen Middle
Vanessa Medina
Davis Elementary
Damaris Serrano Alers
Dawson Elementary
Lydia Dowe
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program
Moraima Cuni
Deer Park Elementary
Maria Negron Lopez
DeSoto Elementary
Elba Martinez
Dickenson Elementary
Jennifer Poel-Van Fossen
Doby Elementary
Paul Woulard III
Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center
Charles Green
Dover Elementary
Ronisha Marcus
Dowdell Middle
Debra Kopp
Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary
Linda Williams
Dunbar Elementary
Laura Artavia
East Bay High
Janaka Turner
Edison Elementary
Helen Diaz Perez
Egypt Lake Elementary
Meredith Bippen
Eisenhower Exceptional Center
Petya Todorova
Eisenhower Middle
Stanley DeJean
Erwin Technical College
Patricia Smith
Essrig Elementary
Chris Griffith
Farnell Middle
Teylor Morley
Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy
Jessica Bricker
FishHawk Creek Elementary
Paige Glaser
Florida Connections Academy
Elizabeth Soto-Stedman
Folsom Elementary
Christina Paredes
Forest Hills Elementary
Terri Ragins
Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy
Aileen Bringas
Freedom High
Carmen Rosado
Frost Elementary
Deb Curtis
Gaither High
Emiliana Kliebert
Gary Adult
Joshua Thomas Gibsonton Elementary
Sara Horn
Giunta Middle
Katie Lee
Gorrie Elementary
Kimberly Young
Grady Elementary
Yaritza Guadalupe Rodriguez
Greco Middle
Yoandra Llera-Averhoff
Hammond Elementary
Iliana Collazo
Heritage Elementary
Lolita Landers
Hill Middle
Dawnya Thomason
Hillsborough Virtual
Ashlie Messina
Hospital/Homebound/Homebased
Julia Cagle
Hunter’s Green Elementary
Deanna Darby Ippolito Elementary
Cynthia Rodriguez Reyes
Jackson Elementary
Erika Bennett
James Elementary
Torin Estorino
Jefferson High
Reva Rosario
Jennings Middle
Thomas Lang III
Kenly Elementary
Pamela May King High
Amanda Near Kingswood Elementary
Tobi Dunbar
Knights Elementary
Ana Cruz
Lake Magdalene Elementary
Jonathan Williams
Lamb Elementary
Mario Navarro Hernandez Lanier Elementary
Floriberta Rios-Ramirez
Lennard High
Judy Guerrero Leto High
Latasha Richards
Lewis Elementary
Daina Vazquez Sanchez
Liberty Middle
Veronica Celleri
Limona Elementary
Alicia Thomas
Lincoln Elementary
Xavier Nickelberry
Lithia Springs Elementary
Candice Vickers
Lockhart Elementary
Debbie Gee Lomax Elementary
Marie Blaxton
Lopez Elementary
Janah Russaw
Lopez Exceptional Center
Dorothy Daly
Lowry Elementary
Jamie Lee Harris
Lutz K-8
Tracy Crews Riopelle
Mabry Elementary
Sponsored By:
Judith Perez Guerra MacFarlane Park Elementary
Tracey Prall
Madison Middle
Cornell Pettus Mango Elementary
Sabrina Wright Marshall Middle
Emy Rivera Quiles Martinez Middle
Ivette Caraballo Mendoza McDonald Elementary
Barbara Czajka-West McKitrick Elementary
Mirtha Ramirez Mompie Medical Academy at D.W. Waters
Jessica Millan Memorial Middle
Ybamin Pucheu
Mendenhall Elementary
Jack Fernandez Middleton High
Stephanie Nino
Miles Elementary
Fatima Hernandez Marte Mintz Elementary
Lynn Jones
Mitchell Elementary
Jamie Alonso Morgan High
Nilda Fernandez
Morgan Woods Elementary
Lida Alvarado
Mort Elementary
Osdelquis Martinez
Muller Elementary
Iraida Dominguez Mulrennan Elementary
Nicole Goins
Nelson Elementary
Brittany Avery Newsome High
Vilma Nater-Negron North Tampa Success Center
Dunia Montero
Northwest Elementary
Dita Softic
Oak Grove Elementary
Ciara Jackson
Oak Park Elementary
Mariluz Castillo
Orange Grove Middle
Shakiera Scott
Palm River Elementary
Cynthia Brown
Patricia J. Sullivan Partnership
Betsy Rodriguez Pierce Middle
Nubia Hernández Pinecrest Elementary
Nuvia Hernandez Pizzo K-8
Desiree Parrish Plant City High
Shawn Baugh Plant High
Ireland Troupe
Potter Elementary
Blasina Burgos
Pride Elementary
Timothy Howard Progress Village Middle
Michelle Hinson-Williams Rampello K-8
Kelly Portugue
Randall Middle
Julie Holubetz
Reddick Elementary
Dinorah Echazabal
Riverhills Elementary
Berta Pizarro
Riverview Elementary
Rachel Stewart Riverview High
Mark Glabinski
Robinson Elementary
Richard Evans
Robinson High
Lissette Vera
Robles Elementary
Juanita Diaz Ortiz
Rodgers Middle
Lisa Ward
Roosevelt Elementary
Karen Carmona Delgado Ruskin Elementary
Yanitza Hernandez
Schmidt Elementary
Yamileth Santos
Schwarzkopf Elementary
Kayli Lewis
Seffner Elementary
Sadie Douglas
Seminole Heights Elementary
Melissa Sepulveda
Sessums Elementary
Dannette Cole
Sgt. Smith Middle
Alberto Alejo
Shaw Elementary
Wanda Russ
Sheehy Elementary
Ruth Ruiz
Shields Middle
Sabrina Fuentes
Shore Elementary
Kristin Clery
Sickles High
Regina Bowers
Sligh Middle
Diana Martinez
South County Career Acceleration Academy
Lainere King
Spoto High
Jennifer Calkins
Springhead Elementary
Jill Gregson
Steinbrenner High
Lynn Magill
Stewart Middle
Leah Pelletier
Stowers Elementary
Amy Carlisle
Strawberry Crest High
Lisa Davis
Student Nutrition Services
Naomi Murray
Sulphur Springs K-8
Vanessa Raney
Summerfield Crossings Elementary
Dianne Mitchell
Summerfield Elementary
Elvia Parada Rodriguez
Sumner High
Sylvia Morettini
Symmes Elementary
Malena Leonor Oms
Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary
Ryisa Baker
Tampa Bay Technical High
Shavayla Rivers
Tampa Heights Elementary
Edith Ortiz Ramos
Tampa Palms Elementary
Edward Glass
Temple Terrace Elementary
Christina Dausch
Terrace Community Middle
Deisy Echeverry
Thompson Elementary
Ashia Edwards
Thonotosassa Elementary
Kristen Baker
Tinker K-8
Ariela Pimentel
Tomlin Middle
Vianela Santiago Nunez
Town & Country Elementary
Cheryl Kelley
Trapnell Elementary
Shirley Holsonback
Turkey Creek Middle
Sheila Swain
Turner/Bartels K-8
Monica Anderson
Twin Lakes Elementary
Zulma Rivera
Valrico Elementary
Tara Hunter
Walden Lake Elementary
Melissa Warhola
Walker Middle
Javier Santana
Webb Middle
Emily Connell
West Shore Elementary
Dulce Cruz Liriano
West Tampa Elementary
Daniel Webb
Westchase Elementary
Ona Miller
Wharton High
Lynda Smith
Williams Middle
Mary Torres-Cerezo
Willis Peters Exceptional Center
Stephanie Ines Martinez
Wilson Elementary
Christina Davidson
Wilson Middle
Marco Villegas
Wimauma Elementary
Lisande Rivero Mollar
Witter Elementary
Angel Rodriguez Ramos
Woodson K-8
Lynzi Ward
Yates Elementary
Aresky Bello Brito
York PK-8 Innovation Academy
Shannon Bischel
Young Middle
Annette James Youth Services
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Your commitment transforms challenges into opportunities for students across our community.
We’re honored to celebrate the teachers and support professionals recognized for their exceptional impact.
The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding teachers who have been nominated by their school sites for their dedication to the academic achievement of their students. The winner goes on to compete for Florida State Teacher of the Year honors, and potentially, national Teacher of the Year.
James Hemphill
Alafia Elementary
Kylie Piche
Alexander Elementary
Karina Marino
Alonso High
Nicole Schulz
Anderson Elementary
Elio Crespo Valladares
Aparicio-Levy Technical College
Mathew Pucilowski
Apollo Beach K-8
Jennifer Gloer Armwood High
Ryan Barnes
B.T. Washington Elementary
Ariel Shelley
Bailey Elementary
Lidia Stokes
Ballast Point Elementary
Brandon Waraksa
Barrington Middle
Christina Falcone Bay Crest Elementary
Angela Painter
Bellamy Elementary
Miquelle Williams
Belmont Elementary
Dulcinea Olson
Benito Middle
Elizabeth Velcoff
Bevis Elementary
Sanna Castro
Blake High
Cheryl Freeman
Bloomingdale High
Velena Hartwell
Boyette Springs Elementary
Zoe Miro
Brandon High
Tiki Guion
Brandon Success Center
Ternica Mcmillon
Brewster Technical College
Kimberly Errity
Brooker Elementary
Dr. Nilsa Lucas Muniz
Broward Elementary
Melissa Lockett
Bryan Plant City Elementary
Terri Milcetich
Bryant Elementary
Devendra Veda
Buchanan Middle
Bethany Simmons
Buckhorn Elementary
Laverne Forbes
Burnett Middle
Chelsey Siwiecki
Burney Elementary
Carol Bottiggi
Burns Middle
Sheri Rodriguez
Cannella Elementary
Megan Vreeland
Carrollwood K-8
Debbie Holiday
Carver Exceptional Center
Kimberley Robinson Chamberlain High
Alaina McQuay
Chiaramonte Elementary
Dylan Zuccarello
Chiles Elementary
Leslie McHale
Cimino Elementary
Melissa Kamis
Citrus Park Elementary
Sasha Garcia
Clair Mel Elementary
Lexus Bontrager
Clark Elementary
Savannah Brotherton
Claywell Elementary
Karla Leto-Shepherd
Coleman Middle
Kaitlin Bremble
Collins PK-8
Aurora O’Brien
Colson Elementary
Ryann Belcher
Cork Elementary
Cheyenne Martinez
Crestwood Elementary
Tiffany Hooks
Cypress Creek Elementary
Melissa DeGusipe
Davidsen Middle
Jacob Cohen
Davis Elementary
Mariyah Lynch
Dawson Elementary
Megan Pullos
Deer Park Elementary
Julie Latham
DeSoto Elementary
Renae Kelly
Dickenson Elementary
Beth Kubec
Doby Elementary
Tauna Murphy
Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center
Irasema Iracheta
Dover Elementary
Nikole Johnson
Dowdell Middle
Simone Gibson
Dunbar Elementary
Taya Soule
Durant High
Paul Oggero
East Bay High
Rachel Marchese
Edison Elementary
Soleima Murillo
Egypt Lake Elementary
Alicia Iglesias Concepcion
Eisenhower Exceptional Center
Lindsey Farchione
Eisenhower Middle
Jonathan Gasparovich
Erwin Technical College
Hailey Mondo
ESE Instructional Personnel
Summer Montgomery
Essrig Elementary
Julie Bates
Farnell Middle
Jennifer Apgar
Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy
Karen Wilson
FishHawk Creek Elementary
Christina Kousiry
Florida Connections Academy
Nicole Hodock
Folsom Elementary
Lianet Valdes
Forest Hills Elementary
Janice Dalmida
Foster Elementary
Samuel Brown
Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy
Meg Lewandowski
Freedom High
Mary Rengifon
Frost Elementary
James Pinkney IV
Gaither High
Tina Connelly
Gary Adult
Shannon Johnson
Gibsonton Elementary
Trevor Harada
Giunta Middle
Madeline Donley
Gorrie Elementary
Natasha DelCastillo
Grady Elementary
Natalie Lackey
Graham Elementary
Cecile DeWhite
Greco Middle
Becky Kuschmeader
Hammond Elementary
Heather Simmonds
Heritage Elementary
Tracy Moore
Hill Middle
Letha Maxey
Hillsborough High
Tanya Blackburn
Hillsborough Virtual
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Paul Spisak
Hillsborough Virtual
Kimberly Sullivan
Hospital/Homebound/Homebased
Melissa Santiago
Hunter’s Green Elementary
Helen Filippucci
Ippolito Elementary
Ashley Wright
Jackson Elementary
Misuzu Sunabe Bondoc
James Elementary
Cory Legler
Jefferson High
Ebony Robinson
Jennings Middle
Rochelle Phillips
Kenly Elementary
Shelley Downey-Consolo King High
Jaymie Martinez
Kingswood Elementary
Victoria Salazar
Knights Elementary
Shannon O’Sullivan
Lake Magdalene Elementary
Sarah Saidi
Lamb Elementary
Melissa Chiaramonte Lanier Elementary
Danielle Carfore
LaVoy Exceptional Center
Holland Davison
Lennard High
Dylana Robertson Leto High
Jessica Montoto
Lewis Elementary
Michael Novello
Liberty Middle
Elizabeth Blicker
Limona Elementary
Nicole Rees
Lincoln Elementary
Barbara Mittelstadt
Lithia Springs Elementary
De’Quan Wilson
Lockhart Elementary
Brittney Mcclendon
Lomax Elementary
Kara Thompson
Lopez Elementary
Robin Hyrons
Lopez Exceptional Center
Jill Bisso
Lowry Elementary
Shondra Hickerson
Lutz K-8
April Welch
Mabry Elementary
Lindsey Harrington
MacFarlane Park Elementary
Megan Giovanetti
Madison Middle
Glennell Mack
Mango Elementary
Erica Sepulveda
Maniscalco K-8
Bradley Milner
Mann Middle
Dr. Jeffrey Cayer
Marshall Middle
Karen Kemp
Martinez Middle
Katy Arellano
McDonald Elementary
Carey Orihuela
McKitrick Elementary
Amanda Lafoe
Medical Academy at D.W. Waters
Dr. Christian Paul Sunga
Memorial Middle
Jen Cadmus
Mendenhall Elementary
Nadia Soriano
Middleton High
Emily Di Monaco
Miles Elementary
Julie Miller
Mintz Elementary
Yuval Bar-Av
Mitchell Elementary
Dylan Parvin
Morgan High
Amy Molinaro
Morgan Woods Elementary
Melissa Boucher
Mort Elementary
Caitlin McCoy
Muller Elementary
Deana Sharp
Mulrennan Middle
Avery Purinton
Nelson Elementary
Michael Misciasci
Newsome High
Sheila Bode
North Tampa Success Center
Natalie Simon
Northwest Elementary
Yahaira Ortega
Oak Grove Elementary
Olivia Rightley
Oak Park Elementary
Laurie Philpot
Orange Grove Middle
Sarah Ward
Palm River Elementary
Patti Ferlita
Patricia J. Sullivan Partnership
Dr. Philip Beatty
Pierce Middle
Mailen Bond
Pinecrest Elementary
Mechelle Williams-Roberson Pizzo K-8
Samantha Ralyea Plant City High
Shay McCarthy Plant High
Godwin Stokes
Potter Elementary
Helen Berger
Pride Elementary
Gaetano Incremona
Progress Village Middle
Katie Peterson
Rampello K-8
Elaine Rupe
Randall Middle
Arley Benton
Reddick Elementary
Carmen Ortiz
Riverhills Elementary
Noheli Mere
Riverview Elementary
Clare McFlynn
Riverview High
Jessica Fortner
Robinson Elementary
Shantell Pass
Robles Elementary
Consuela Small
Rodgers Middle
Melissa Davidson
Roland Park K-8
Michelle Thornberry
Roosevelt Elementary
Laura Torres
Ruskin Elementary
Jessica Wilcox
Schwarzkopf Elementary
Meghan Hirschfeld
Seffner Elementary
Jennifer Lanier
Seminole Heights Elementary
Tifaney Zambito
Sessums Elementary
Ursule Mbianda
Sgt. Smith Middle
Alyssa Mesa
Shaw Elementary
Erica George
Sheehy Elementary
PaQuetta Thomas
Shields Middle
Leann Diaz
Shore Elementary
Jessica Bello
Sickles High
Joanna Patino
Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
Grace Gibbs
Simmons Exceptional Center
Cortez Young
Sligh Middle
Thomas Chapman
South County Career Acceleration Academy
Tanetta Johnson
Spoto High
Esmeralda Saldana
Springhead Elementary
Jim Jaycox
Steinbrenner High
Luisa Jeske
Stewart Middle
Micky Gerding
Stowers Elementary
Joseph Borreca
Strawberry Crest High
Artisha Dawkins
Sulphur Springs K-8
Betia Washington
Summerfield Crossings Elementary
Jeremy Bond
Summerfield Elementary
Carson Rodriguez Bugarin
Sumner High
Buffie Maytum
Symmes Elementary
Patricia Williams
Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary
Chris Kribs
Tampa Bay Technical High
Meagan Gallogly
Tampa Heights Elementary
Robin Rollins Wiseman
Tampa Palms Elementary
Emma Stallwood
Temple Terrace Elementary
Hannah Galletti
Terrace Community Middle
Tracey DuBay
Thompson Elementary
Sheila Hays
Thonotosassa Elementary
Asante’ Pugh
Tinker K-8
Shannon Burky
Tomlin Middle
Katherine Chapman
Town & Country Elementary
Lauren Osenton
Trapnell Elementary
Karen Elizabeth Price
Turkey Creek Middle
Kelsey Harrell
Turner/Bartels K-8
Myra Palmer
Twin Lakes Elementary
Denice Devine-Martin
Valrico Elementary
Kindell Gilmore
Walden Lake Elementary
Kayla Carey
Walker Middle
Katherine Thoms
Webb Middle
Kaila Prather
West Shore Elementary
Phil Annichiarico, Sr.
West Tampa Elementary
Francesca Doran
Westchase Elementary
Christi Atkinson
Wharton High
Dr. TeShanna Rayner
Williams Middle
Michele Most
Willis Peters Exceptional Center
Ninfa Rodriguez
Wilson Elementary
Timothy Fox
Wilson Middle
Misti Rakowitz
Wimauma Elementary
Stacy Stavroula Genever
Witter Elementary
Ryan Kittle
Woodbridge Elementary
Teighlor Ambrosino
Woodson K-8
Sara Cole
Yates Elementary
Amy Rappleyea
York PK-8 Innovation Academy
Jason Gordon
Youth Services
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Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association
Kelly Education
Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH
United Way Suncoast
B&I Contractors, Inc.
Ford & Associates, Inc.
Hill Ward Henderson Mosaic
The University of Tampa