WATCH: Gov. Ron DeSantis Awards Florida’s Teacher of the Year Finalists
By Space Coast Daily // July 17, 2025
Five Teachers selected out of 175,000 teachers statewide
ABOVE VIDEO: Gov. Ron DeSantis Awards Florida’s Teacher of the Year Finalists
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis held a ceremony today in Orlando honoring the five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year.
The five outstanding educators from across the state were recognized from a pool of nearly 175,000 teachers:
| Name | School / District | Role Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Brandy Nicole Anderson | Indian Trails Middle, Flagler County | 7th‑grade civics teacher, social studies chair, assistant track coach; finalist two years in a row |
| Shelly Teel | Westside Elementary, Columbia County | Third‑grade teacher; ESOL & reading endorsed; highly effective since 2013 |
| Mark Harrison | Union County High School | Teaches economics & American government; sponsors debate and FCA; also a school bus driver |
| Katy Jo Harrison | Hosford Elementary & Junior High, Liberty County | First‑grade teacher |
| Autumn Crabtree | Crystal River High, Citrus County | Culinary arts teacher |
