2025 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala

PRESENTED BY FLORIDA PREPAID COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

Florida’s Teacher of the Year Program annual events conclude each year with the announcement of the state’s most celebrated educator. The 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala took place at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida on the evening of Thursday, July 25th, 2024, with Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. making the announcement.

special awards

2024 CFEF “INVESTED IN EXCELLENCE” AWARD

Emily Fagerstrom, Volusia County

Presented by Mary Chance, President and CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, and Mariota Theodoris, Florida Power & Light Company

The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Invested in Excellence Award is presented to a teacher who has a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, their school and their community.

This year’s recipient, Emily Fagerstrom, makes every effort to provide opportunities for her students to become problem-solvers and develop skills for their future careers. Fagerstrom, an elementary math instructional coach, goes above and beyond to provide her students with extra resources and hands-on learning opportunities. This past year, she organized the school’s first ever Math Night at her neighborhood Publix supermarket where students and their families demonstrated practical application of math skills in real-life context, making learning engaging and applicable.

2024 Ron Nieto “Digital Educator” Award

Lindsey Laurino, St. Lucie County

Presented by Kathy Hebda, Division of Florida Colleges Chancellor and Eve Nieto, wife of Ron Nieto

The Ron Nieto Digital Educator award recognizes extraordinary educators who use digital components to enhance student achievement in the classroom. Congratulations to our winner, Lindsey Laurino, a 6-8 science teacher and STEM Fair Coordinator who enhances student involvement in her classroom with technology. Lindsey’s words of wisdom she would like to share with her fellow educators is “Never forget your love for learning and always show your students the beauty of education”.

2024 Liz Moya “Life Skills and Citizenship“ Award

Andrea Polanco, Collier County

Presented by Anastasios Kamoutsas

In memory of Liza Moya, the Life Skills and Citizenship award is dedicated to an educator who focuses on teaching critical thinking and civic responsibility to their students, making sure they are well prepared for the future. Andrea Polanco was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Liz Moya Life Skills and Citizenship Award for her ability to help her students become civically engaged citizens. Polanco serves as the social studies department chair for the past 15 years as well as leading the annual Veterans Drive-through parade that honors the veterans in Collier County.

2024 Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award

Gerard Madrinan, Pinellas County

Presented by Frank Brogran, Former Florida Lt. Governor

Gerard Madrinan is this year’s recipient of the Mary J. Brogan Excellence in Teaching award. This award is presented to a district teacher of the year who instills a passion for learning in their students. Madrinan teaches music with over 22 years of experience, The Warhawk marching band under his direction has consistently received Superior marks at state competitions. Madrinan’s words of wisdom that he would like to pass along to fellow educators are “It’s not about getting what you want, but more about wanting what you have.”

WATCH THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR GALA ON THEFLORIDACHANNEL.ORG