ABC Awards Gala to Honor Brevard’s Top Educators and Name Teacher of the Year January 27

helping bridge funding and opportunity gaps for more than 74,100 students and 5,000 teachers

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Educators from across Brevard County will be recognized for their dedication and excellence during the ABC Awards Teacher of the Year Gala on Tuesday, January 27, at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral.

Hosted by the Brevard Schools Foundation and presented by Community Credit Union Florida, the annual ABC Awards, short for Applauding Brevard’s Champions, will honor 93 Teacher of the Year recipients representing schools and departments throughout Brevard Public Schools.

The evening will culminate with the announcement of the district’s 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year, who will go on to represent Brevard at the state level in the Florida Teacher of the Year program.

The celebration is expected to bring together educators, district leadership, school board members, foundation leaders, and community partners to recognize the impact of public education across the county.

Program participants include Brevard Schools Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Janice Kershaw, Foundation Board Chair Rich Miller, Brevard Public School Board Chair Matt Susin, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Rendell, Laura Negi, the current Brevard Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Community Credit Union Florida President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Kelley.

The ABC Awards program highlights all school-based and department-based Teacher of the Year honorees and places special focus on six finalists who exemplify exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to students.

Teacher of the Year Finalists

These six educators were selected from nominees across the district for their instructional excellence, student-centered leadership, and ability to create dynamic, inclusive learning environments:

Hannah Denny – 7th Grade Teacher, James Madison Middle School
Known for her energetic classroom and strong rapport with students, Denny has become a standout in motivating middle-schoolers to excel academically and personally.

Michelle Hanus – ESOL Teacher, Melbourne High School
Hanus is celebrated for her dedication to multilingual learners, helping students from diverse backgrounds find their footing and thrive in new academic surroundings.

Stephanie Castaldo – Math Teacher, L.B. Johnson Middle School
A champion of hands-on, real-world math instruction, Castaldo is recognized for transforming students’ confidence in a core subject that many find challenging.

Shannon Shakespeare – PE Teacher, Golfview Elementary Magnet School
Shakespeare’s commitment to health, wellness, and character-building has made her a beloved figure who inspires students to stay active and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Brenda Mashiotta – Title I & STEM Teacher, Jupiter Elementary School
From innovative STEM lessons to focused instruction, Mashiotta helps ensure students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.

Holly Barbour – 4th Grade Teacher, Imperial Estates Elementary School
Barbour’s warm but structured classroom environment is credited with sparking curiosity and fostering academic growth among her young learners.

The gala will take place from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and will feature honoree recognitions and the announcement of the finalist selected to advance to the state competition.

The event also offers opportunities for interviews and photography, including stage presentations and the Teacher of the Year announcement.

Brevard Schools Foundation supports all 85 public schools in the district, helping bridge funding and opportunity gaps for more than 74,100 students and 5,000 teachers.

Brevard Public Schools is the largest employer in Brevard County and one of the largest school districts in Florida, serving students across 17 municipalities along the Space Coast.

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