Two Northeast Florida teachers are finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award.
Mark Harrison, an Economics and American Government teacher at Union County High School, is up for the honor.
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“Mr. Harrison is one of the most capable, remarkable, and highly regarded teachers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing throughout my career,” Union County School District Superintendent Michael Ripplinger said in reaction to the news. “He has made a tremendous impact on countless students and has earned the admiration of his fellow teachers and the community. I cannot think of a better person to represent the field of education in the state of Florida.”
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Shelly Teel, a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School in Columbia County, is also one of the five finalists.
“Mrs. Teel possesses a remarkable ability to make learning both fun and engaging,” Columbia County School Superintendent Keith Couey said. “She is a truly exceptional educator whose dedication, passion and ability to connect with students sets her apart.”
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Initially, 76 teachers from across the state were in the running, and that was narrowed down to five.
Each one of those 76 teachers was recognized as the top teacher in their school or district.
Here are the other local teachers who were named 2026 Teacher of the Year in their school district or for their school:
- Karlie Hodges, Legacy Elementary School, Baker County School District
- Audrey Murphy, Bradford High School, Bradford County School District
- Amanda Watson, Orange Park Elementary School, Clay County District Schools
- Vincent Taylor, Cedar Hills Elementary School, Duval County Public Schools
- Jessica Kiser Kaspar, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
- Kayla Hooper, Callahan Intermediate School, Nassau County School District
- Arielle Driggers, Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Putnam County School District
- Jill Adams, Creekside High School, St. Johns County School District
The 2026 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in July.
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