2021 Florida Teacher of the Year Virtual Celebration
PRESENTED BY FLORIDA PREPAID
Florida’s Teacher of the Year Program annual events conclude each year with a celebration to recognize and elevate the state’s most honored educators. The 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year Virtual Celebration took place on the evening of Monday, September 21, 2020. Read more about the 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year, Krista Stanley, here.
Watch the 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year Virtual Celebration:
Special Awards
2020 Mary Brogan Excellence in Teaching Award
Lindsay Burghart, Clay County
Presented by Dr. Eric Hall, Senior Chancellor, Florida Department of Education
The Mary J. Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” award is named in honor of the late Mary J. Brogan, a third grade teacher and elementary principal, to recognize extraordinary educators who instill passion, joy and love of learning in their students. The award is presented to a district teacher of the year who goes above and beyond the classroom experience. On behalf of the Florida Education Foundation, Lindsay will be presented a check for $1,000.
Lindsay Burghart is an intensive reading teacher at Middleburg High School in Clay County. Lindsay is passionate about education. She believes all of her students can accomplish their goals to walk across the stage and graduate from high school. Lindsay is dedicated to ensuring her students have the knowledge and skills they need, which includes volunteering her time to tutor her students and provide additional support. Lindsay’s classroom is a family built on trust, high expectations and strong instructional practices. She works diligently to ensure the students in her classroom strive for a better tomorrow.
2020 Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Award
Miranda Harwood, Hillsborogh County
Presented by Andy Tuck, Chair, State Board of Education
In March 2017, the education community lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality Dr. Brian Dassler. An avid social media user, Dr. Dassler was known for remaining in contact with past students and colleagues and for continuing to celebrate in their success even when separated by countless miles. Dr. Dassler’s passion for students was unsurpassed, and he felt passionately that every single student deserved to have a teacher better than the very best teacher any of us ever had. Through this award, each year during the Teacher of the Year Gala, the Florida Department of Education will honor a Florida educator who personifies the values that made Dr. Dassler stand out among the crowd. On behalf of the Florida Education Foundation, the selected educator will be presented a check for $1,000.
Miranda Harwood is a fourth-grade teacher at Brooker Elementary School in Hillsborough County. Her classroom is built on a foundation of positive thinking and perseverance, which helps her students to change their mindsets and begin to believe they can achieve anything. She sets high expectations for her students, tracks their progress and acknowledges their successes. In addition to her work in her classroom, Mrs. Harwood is a leader in her school and district. She serves as her school’s math contact, facilitates professional development for her colleagues and mentors new teachers. Miranda is an outstanding educator and leader.
2020 CFEF Invested in Excellence Award
Josie Stumpf, Volusia County
Presented by Mary Chance, President and CEO, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and Maureen Wilt, Senior Education Program Manager, Florida Power and Light Company
The CFEF “Invested in Excellence Award” is presented to a teacher who is having a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, their school, and their entire community.
Josie Stumpf is a fifth grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Holly Hill School in Volusia County. She has spent 17 years in education working to inspire and reach all of her students through the connections and relationships she creates. She uses her passion and enthusiasm for the education profession to not only excite her students about their educational journey, but to also engage families and the community in learning opportunities. She believes that when her passion for education is shared with community members, they become invested in her classroom and support her initiatives.
2020 Ron Nieto Digital Educator Award
Katrina Roddenberry, Wakulla County
Presented by Eve Nieto, Operations and Management Consultant, Florida College System
This award was created in Ron’s memory, by his friends, family and coworkers at the Department of Education so that each year, a Florida Educator who excels in using technology in the classroom to positively impact student outcomes, could be recognized and honored.
Katrina Roddenberry teaches sixth and eighth grade science at Wakulla Middle School in Wakulla County. Ms. Roddenberry has a goal to improve her students’ learning every day. In order to accomplish this goal, she creates a classroom climate of openness, acceptance and respect. She believes technology integration in the classroom has the ability to increase student motivation and engagement, as well as promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ms. Roddenberry is passionate about elevating the education profession. She works as an Adjunct Professor at Flagler College and is a member of the Florida Association for Science Teachers.
Thank you to our partners in education:
