July 13, 2018
Governor's Press Office
850-245-0413
media@eog.myflorida.com
First Lady Ann Scott Announced Joy Prescott, Glades County Educator, as the 2019 Teacher of the Year
~ Joy Prescott received a $20,000 check from the Florida Department of Education ~
Orlando, Fla., July 13, 2018 – Today, First Lady Ann Scott and Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named Joy Prescott from Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in Glades County the 2019 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year at the awards gala in Orlando. Educators from throughout the state of Florida attended the event to celebrate excellence in education. Ms. Prescott was chosen from more than 198,700 public school teachers throughout the state.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I am proud to join the Florida Department of Education to announce Joy Prescott as Florida’s Teacher of the Year for her excellence in teaching our Florida students. Educators have an incredible impact on the lives of the students in our state. On behalf of all Floridians, we are glad to show our appreciation for Florida’s outstanding teachers.”
Governor Rick Scott said, “Congratulations to Joy Prescott on being named the 2019 Teacher of the Year. Every day, Florida’s teachers and educators are ensuring that our students are developing the knowledge and skills they need to be successful and live the American Dream. As Governor, I’ve been glad to champion record funding for our K-12 schools so every student can get a world-class education in Florida.”
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “Congratulations to Joy Prescott on being selected as Florida’s 2019 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Prescott’s passion for education is evident, and I look forward to working with her over the next year during her term as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.”
The remaining four finalists were presented with a $15,000 check from the Florida Department of Education – Kyle Dencker from Timber Creek High School in Orange County; Molly Winters Diallo from Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School in Miami-Dade County; Patrick Farley from Crystal Lake Elementary School in Martin County; and Samantha Neff from Idyllwilde Elementary School in Seminole County.
Glades County Superintendent Scott Bass said, "She brings great enthusiasm to her classroom and promotes a wonderful environment that leads to the social and emotional growth of her students.”
Governor Rick Scott has prioritized the 2019 Teacher of the Year program, and as a result, the State of Florida has allocated significant funding to honor Florida’s top educators.
During the gala event, the remaining 69 district winners from around the state were also recognized for their achievements and excellence in teaching. Each of the district winners were presented with $10,000 from the Department of Education.
The Florida Teacher of the Year Program is made possible by generous sponsors: Florida Prepaid, State Farm, Florida Blue, Telemundo, Helios Education Foundation, Wells Fargo, Publix, Florida Power and Light Company, Florida Lottery, Gulf Power and Herff Jones.
For more about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.