DeSantis Honors Florida's Top Teachers: Who Will Win Tonight’s Gala?

Orlando, Florida, USA - In an elegant ceremony held in Orlando, Governor Ron DeSantis took the opportunity to recognize five exceptional educators as finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award. Chosen from a remarkable pool of nearly 175,000 teachers across the state, these finalists exemplify the dedication and hard work prevalent in Florida’s education system. This recognition highlights the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of students and, by extension, the community.

Among the standout nominees is **Brandy Nicole Anderson**, a distinguished 7th-grade civics teacher at Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County. Anderson’s commitment to education is evident as she has been selected as a finalist for two consecutive years. Her role as social studies chair and assistant track coach showcases her versatility and dedication to her students and school. She leads by example, inspiring her peers and the next generation.

Another notable finalist is **Shelly Teel**, a third-grade teacher from Westside Elementary in Columbia County. Since 2013, Teel has earned recognition for her effectiveness in the classroom and is endorsed in ESOL and reading. Her ability to navigate diverse learning needs makes her an invaluable asset to her school community.

Meet the Finalists

• Brandy Nicole Anderson
  School: Indian Trails Middle, Flagler County
  Role: 7th-grade civics teacher, social studies chair, assistant track coach
• Shelly Teel
  School: Westside Elementary, Columbia County
  Role: Third-grade teacher
• Mark Harrison
  School: Union County High School
  Role: Teaches economics & American government, sponsors debate and FCA, also a school bus driver
• Katy Jo Harrison
  School: Hosford Elementary & Junior High, Liberty County
  Role: First-grade teacher
• Autumn Crabtree
  School: Crystal River High, Citrus County
  Role: Culinary arts teacher

Mark Harrison, a dual-instruction teacher at Union County High School, stands out for his multifaceted role—teaching economics and American government while also sponsoring debate and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This showcases his commitment not only to academics but also to fostering extracurricular engagement among students.

Katy Jo Harrison from Hosford Elementary & Junior High, a first-grade teacher, also brings her unique flair to education, nurturing young minds during their formative years. Meanwhile, Autumn Crabtree from Crystal River High, specializing in culinary arts, introduces students to practical skills that inspire creativity and entrepreneurship.

A Statewide Celebration

Governor DeSantis, during his address, lauded these educators for their contributions, noting the impressive performance of K-12 schools in recent statewide assessments. Florida has achieved the top ranking for education, as reported by U.S. News and World Report. This success is attributed to the tireless efforts of teachers who nurture excellence.

As part of this commendation, the finalists will each receive a $20,000 bonus, while the overall Teacher of the Year will walk away with a $50,000 bonus. DeSantis further emphasized his commitment to education by proposing a $1.5 billion budget for teacher raises, which resulted in approval of $1.36 billion—a $101.6 million boost from the previous year. However, the Florida Education Association has raised concerns that these raises equate to a modest increase of $20 per paycheck, leaving some teachers feeling unappreciated.

The anticipation builds as the announcement for the Teacher of the Year is set to take place at a gala in Orlando tonight at 7 PM EST. The atmosphere is electric, as educators, families, and community members gather to celebrate the dedication and passion that these teachers exhibit in their profession.

While winners will be crowned, it’s essential to recognize that every teacher in Florida contributes to the success of our school system. In this competitive landscape, the finalists represent a fraction of the talent found across the state—an inspiring reminder that there’s always more to strive for in Florida’s educational realm.

For more information on this event, you can read Space Coast Daily and CF Public.