Winners from Florida

2023 Winners

Brianna Perez

Brianna Perez

Pine Crest Elementary School
Sanford, FL

Brianna Perez is a superb 5th grade teacher that genuinely cares for her students. She promotes her students growth as individuals and scholars both in the...

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Lauren Ruder

Lauren Ruder

Indian Trace Elementary
Weston, FL

There’s nothing more relaxing than a cruise and nobody that deserves it more than a teacher! Third grade is a tough grade to teach and this year has been...

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Winsome Flynn

Winsome Flynn

J.P. Taravella High
Coral Springs, FL

Mrs. Flynn is an awesome math teacher who challenges her students, but loves and cares for them tremendously. It would be great to have such a hard-working...

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Gabriela Colon

Gabriela Colon

Deerwood Elementary School
Kissimmee, FL

Mrs. Colon is a 4th grade teacher in the Osceola school district. She has worked so hard this school year to meet the needs of all of her students and even...

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Samantha Alfred

Samantha Alfred

Narcoossee Middle School
St. Cloud, FL

Samantha Alfred is an educator with over 25 years of commitment and dedication to her students. Ms. Alfred is an innovator developing unique programs to...

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Mikala Fils-Aime

Mikala Fils-Aime

George Washington Carver Elementary
Coral Gables, FL

Ms. Fils-Aime is a certified media specialist and was voted the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year by her peers at her school. Her dedication is unparalleled. She...

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Paul (P.J.) Battaglia

Paul (P.J.) Battaglia

Westglades Middle School
Parkland, FL

P.J. Battaglia has been teaching 16 years in Broward County Public schools. P.J. has been at Westglades Middle for 16 years teaching Social Studies and...

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Jacqueline Torrero

Jacqueline Torrero

Waters Edge Elementary at The School District of Palm Beach County
Boca Raton, FL

Ms. Jacqueline Torrero has been a Kindergarten teacher for 33 years. As her colleague and friend for the past 23 years, she has inspired me and others to be...

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2022 Winners

Sweetheart Tayong

Sweetheart Tayong

Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology
Orange Park, FL

She is sweet and understanding. She helps students to understand their lesson in a fun way that it will be easier for them remember. She loves her students...

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Jill Putney

Jill Putney

Tradewinds Elementary School
Coconut Creek, FL

Ms. Putney has been inspiring students and colleagues throughout her teaching career. She is a 2 time State Winner of the Disney Environmentality Challenge....

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Laura Pimentel

Laura Pimentel

Millennia Gardens Elementary
Orlando, FL

Laura is a selfless, engaged, and dedicated 3rd grade math & science teacher. She got her master's and is pursuing a Phd because she is so interested in...

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Kayley Crawford

Kayley Crawford

Highlands Elementary School
Immokalee, FL

Kayley is an amazing 1st grade teacher. She is about to finish up her 4th year teaching with all 4 years being at the same school. This past year I watched her...

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Leanne Briatico

Leanne Briatico

Crystal Lake Elementary School
Lake Mary, FL

Ms. Briatico is our school's HERO! One of her students was drinking water & the water cap got stuck in his throat. Immediately, she administered the Heimlich...

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Jose Alexis Rivera

Jose Alexis Rivera

Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Teaching during the pandemic has been a challenge but Professor Rivera has engaged his students and motivated his students far beyond our expectations. His...

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Rodney Savickis

Rodney Savickis

Brevard School Board
Viera, FL

Mr Rodney Savickis is a Awesome High school teacher , 33 years who's so involved with his Career.. Dedicated to students and community as well as other staff...

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Robert Thompson

Robert Thompson

Ridgeview High School
Orange Park, FL

Mr.Thompson is a very good teacher using is abilites to make class a fun and different atmostsphere. Math class becomes a class that everyone enjoys when Coach...

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Michelle Combs

Michelle Combs

Westglades Middle School
Parkland, FL

I nominate Michelle Combs for this year's Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy Award. Michelle has been teaching 8th grade for over 15 years in Broward County, FL....

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Natalie Caban

Natalie Caban

True North Classical Academy
Miami, FL

Natalie is the best teacher a school has to offer. she has found a way to make a challenging and rigorous program fun for the students! Not only does she give...

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Michelle Lyon

Michelle Lyon

Orange County Virtual School
Orlando, FL

Mrs. Lyon epitomizes the theme of bringing Joy to the lives of her students. As a math teacher with Orange County Virtual School in Orlando, Florida, she goes...

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Rhonda Spencer

Rhonda Spencer

Arthur Ashe
Fort Lauderdale, FL

I have been teaching in Broward County Public School system for 33 years. I need a nice vacation before I retire. I have touched and planted seeds in many...

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Marni Clinton

Marni Clinton

Indian Trace Elementary School
Weston, FL

It takes a very special person to be a teacher and Mrs. Marni Clinton fits the bill! With her amazing heart and love for her kiddos, she embraces each new day...

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Aleksandra Sofia Chaparro Bezzubikoff

Aleksandra Sofia Chaparro Bezzubikoff

Indian Trace Elementary
Weston, FL

I have worked with Aleksandra for the past 4 years. She truly is an inspiration. She is amazing and is so caring towards her students. She has chosen to...

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Mitchell Albert

Mitchell Albert

Stoneman Douglas High School
Parkland, FL

They broke the mold when they gave us Mr. Albert. He not only teaches us content but encourages us and believes in us. He gives us the tools to do our best and...

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Roselyn Navarro

Roselyn Navarro

G.W. Carver Elementary School
Coral Gables, FL

Teacher of the Year at GW Carver Elementary school. Signora Navarro has been the Italian Lead teacher for the last 18 years at her school. She has led this...

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Jason Zembuch Young

Jason Zembuch Young

South Plantation High School
Plantation, FL

When Jason began teaching theatre at South Plantation High School 18 years ago, he soon realized by observing how deaf students communicate that the needs of...

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Jennifer Lyn Hammer

Jennifer Lyn Hammer

Waters Edge Elementary School at The School District of Palm Beach County
Boca Raton, FL

There is no year more influential in a student's life than Kindergarten, and Jennifer Hammer has provided an unparalleled foundation for academic...

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Bethany McAfee

Bethany McAfee

Sheridan Technical High School
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Mrs. McAfee's love for students is undeniable! She refers to EVERY student as "My Child'ť and "My Fave'ť because she wants them to know how special they are....

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Jennifer Moser

Jennifer Moser

Glades Middle School
Miramar, FL

As an educator for 17 years, Jennifer never seizes to amaze me. She has a passion to her students like I have never seen. She is naturally motivated to make a...

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Elisa Cartagena

Elisa Cartagena

Discovery Elementary
Sunrise, FL

Mrs. Cartagena started her career in education 22 years ago, teaching 5th grade. When her daughter was 3, a speech pathologist told her that her daughter would...

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Nathalie Louie

Nathalie Louie

Miami Dade Virtual School
Miami, FL

Mrs.Louie is a hardworking and caring educator. She is extremely understanding and cares about all of her students. Mrs.Louie touches the hearts of every...

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Vanessa Knight

Vanessa Knight

Stanton College Prep
Jacksonville, FL

Vanessa Knight is an awesome teacher who works tirelessly for her students and makes learning interesting and fun. She takes the time to craft lessons that...

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Theresa Schrager

Theresa Schrager

Broward County Public Schools-Falcon Cove Middle School
Weston, FL

Theresa has been a teacher in Broward County for 34 years and has impacted the lives of thousands of students. This year, one of her students won a national...

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2021 Winners

Ashley Steadman

Ashley Steadman

Evans High School
Orlando, FL

Ms. Steadman teaches AP Environmental Science and Honors Envir. Science at Evans High School which is a Title 1 School in Orlando FL. She consistently goes...

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Bethany McAfee

Bethany McAfee

Sheridan Technical High School
Fort Lauderdale, FL

My goal is to have my students feel like they are heard valued and respected in my English class. I want to see my students hearts and their stories. There are...

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Steven Shannon

Steven Shannon

Fleming Island High School
Fleming Island, FL

Mr. Shannon is an icon who deserves an amazing vacation!! Not only does he teach English literature to juniors and seniors he also teaches jazz band after...

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Mike Mikulec

Mike Mikulec

Hillsborough IB High School
Tampa, FL

Mr. Mikulec goes above and beyond most while teaching AP European History at Hillsborough High School a course that is considered one of the hardest that the...

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Brandie Soto

Brandie Soto

Binks Forest Elementary
Wellington, FL

I am nominating Mrs. Brandie Soto for this generous award sponsored by NCL. Mrs. Soto is a proud educator of Palm Beach County home of the Binks Forest...

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Cary Cabrera

Cary Cabrera

Cypress K8
Miami, FL

I am nominating Cary Cabrera for this remarkable award because she is a phenomenal educator and an outstanding person. She goes above and beyond for her...

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Angela Cordova

Angela Cordova

Doral Academy Elementary
Doral, FL

Angie has been a beloved teacher at Doral Academy since the school opened its doors in 2000. Every morning she greets her students with a huge smile & hug....

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Alexandra Dominguez

Alexandra Dominguez

George Washington Carver Elementary School
Coral Gables, FL

Alexandra Dominguez is in her 9th year of teaching at G.W. Carver Elementary. She has the challenging role of teaching 5th grade both virtually and in person...

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Michelle Combs

Michelle Combs

Westglades Middle School
Parkland, FL

Michelle Matteis-Combs has been teaching in South Florida for over 13 years. During those years she has never given up her passion for teaching even after...

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Ashley Goldstein

Ashley Goldstein

Inlet Grove High School
Riviera Beach, FL

Ms. Goldstein has been an educator for over 10 years working with struggling readers in high school. She has an exceptional pass rate for the reading...

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Gisel Zapata

Gisel Zapata

True North Classical Academy
Miami, FL

Mrs. Zapata is a Kinder teacher at True North Classical Academy. Her nickname is Mary Poppins because she loves wearing dresses making people smile &...

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Francis Clement

Francis Clement

C.A. Boswell Elementary School
Auburndale, FL

Serving as a teacher in a low income area for over 30 years Francis contiues to go out of her way to help her students succeed. She selflessly invests her...

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Jade Pudsey

Jade Pudsey

Coral Cove Elementary School
Miramar, FL

Jade Pudsey is an awe-inspiring elementary school teacher. She always goes the extra mile spending many nights and weekends working on new ways to engage and...

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Rosie Quinonez

Rosie Quinonez

Indian Trace Elementary Broward County Public Schools
Weston, FL

You won't find a more dedicated and caring teacher than Mrs. Rosie Quinonez. Throughout her career she has dedicated herself to helping special education...

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Adam Sage

Adam Sage

Somerset Parkland Academy
Parkland, FL

Mr. Sage taught my daughter for two consecutive years he is THE best teacher his passion to help a child unlock their potential goes far and above normal...

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Valentina Visbal

Valentina Visbal

Doral International Academy of Math and Science
Doral, FL

As a first year elementary school teacher Ms. Visbal has tried to make the best out of these unprecedented times for her 3rd graders. She brings fun and...

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Hannah Hamilton

Hannah Hamilton

Imagine chancellor
Boynton Beach, FL

Ms. Hamilton is a phenomenal Kindergarten teacher. Her love passion & dedication to make an impact on her children is incomparable. Every day she greets...

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Colin Quinn

Colin Quinn

Florida Virtual School
Orlando, FL

Pre-Algebra teacher Air Force Veteran volunteers in the community helping in youth sports and high school...

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Claudia Camara

Claudia Camara

George Washington Carver Elementary School
Coral Gables, FL

Claudia C·mara has been an elementary school teacher for 13 years in the state of Florida. She is currently teaching a 4th and 5th grade gifted class at G. W....

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Annemarie Luca

Annemarie Luca

Park Trails Elementary
Parkland, FL

Mrs. Luca is the most deserving loving and supportive teacher there is. I have had the privilege of being her daughter for the past 18 years and her beautiful...

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De’Garryan Andrews

De’Garryan Andrews

Crossroad Academy Charter School of Business
Quincy, FL

De'Garryan is an amazing teacher with 11 years experience. He works hard for his students and is very passionate about helping all students succeed. As a new...

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Khadijah Jones

Khadijah Jones

Howard W Blake High School
Tampa, FL

She goes above and beyond with teaching she teaches Ap Environmental science and she the only teacher in the school who teaches it. She gets us to pay...

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Miranda Spano

Miranda Spano

Wimauma Elementary School
Wimauma, FL

I would like to nominate Mrs. Miranda Spano who is a kindergarten teacher at Wimauma Elementary in Wimauma Forida. She has passion for teaching and makes...

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Keith Bona

Keith Bona

Walter C. Young Middle
Pembroke Pines, FL

Mr. Bona works tirelessly to help students achieve their highest success. He teaches Microsoft Industry Certification and Introduction to coding to middle...

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Kanika Gaudi Malhotra

Kanika Gaudi Malhotra

Doral International Academy of Math and Science
Miami, FL

Mrs. Gaudi is very caring hardworking and dedicated to serving each student. Her willingness to help others and teach in a fun environment are like no other....

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Elyse Kotkin

Elyse Kotkin

Cooper City High School
Cooper City, FL

Elyse is the most caring and passionate teacher around. Her relationship with her students is by far one of the best relationships I've seen between a teacher...

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2019 Winners

Bethany McAfee

Bethany McAfee

Sheridan Technical High School
Fort Lauderdale, FL

As an 11th and 12th grade English teacher frequently my impact can be seen after my students graduate. One student has told me she is now going to be a teacher...

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Ashley Lantes

Ashley Lantes

Windy Hill Middle School
Clermont, FL

Middle school science teacher always puts her students first works 10-12 hour days through most of the week responsible for bringing thousands of dollars worth...

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Alexandra Durr

Alexandra Durr

George Washington Carver Elementary School
Coral Gables, FL

Ms. Alexandra Durr is a 4th grade math science and social studies teacher at a public school in Coconut Grove Florida. She is passionate about what she does...

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Racheal Spires

Racheal Spires

Imagine Schools at Town Center
Palm Coast, FL

Mrs. Spires has a niche for teaching. I truly believe that teaching is her true calling and passion. Mrs. Spires has been teaching for 7 years and this is her...

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Chris Wikfors

Chris Wikfors

Randall Middle School
Lithia, FL

After suffering a near death traumatic brain injury as a freshman in college Chris has defied all odds to become a dedicated honors mathematics teacher who...

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Kendall Carrier

Kendall Carrier

Manatee High School
Bradenton, FL

My husband Kendall is not only the most inspirational educator I have ever seen but he chooses to share joy with his students every day even after experiencing...

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