ORLANDO, Fla. – Mark Harrison, an Economics and American Government teacher at Union County High School, was named the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year on Thursday night.
Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida and has earned the Civics Seal of Excellence. Harrison has also served as a Civics and Debate team sponsor and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor. He also serves as a school bus driver for the high school.
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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,” said Union County School District Superintendent Michael Ripplinger. “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.”
Harrison will receive a $50,000 award and will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year, advocating for students and representing Florida’s teaching community.
Harrison will also receive a tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree from the Florida State University College of Education and a two-year Florida College scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan to present to a student of his choice.
Early in the day Thursday, Harrison was among three Northeast Florida teachers who were awarded a $20,000 check for being selected among the five finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year.
The other Northeast Florida finalists were Shelly Teel, a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School in Columbia County and Brandy Nicole Anderson, a 7th-grade civics teacher at Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County
“I think it’s important that we recognize great teachers, and that’s why we’re here today, and I’m really excited to be able to recognize the educators,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at an event in Orlando recognizing the five finalists.
The other finalists were Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus County, and Katy Jo Harrison, a first-grade teacher at Hosford Elementary and Junior High School in Liberty County.
According to a release, the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year state finalists were chosen from nearly 175,000 public school teachers.
After each school district selects its teacher of the year, a committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community reviews each district’s application on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional learning and outstanding school and community service.
Other Northeast Florida finalists
According to a release, Teel received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from St. Leo University, holds certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages and is reading endorsed. She provides after-school tutoring to students in her class and has been rated highly effective since 2013. She is also active in her church, serving as a Life Group Leader.
“Shelly Teel is an exemplary educator, and I am pleased to recognize her as a 2026 Teacher of the Year finalist,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “She represents the qualities of an outstanding teacher who brings out the best in her students.”
Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University and she has earned her AVID Certification, the Gifted Endorsement and the Civics Seal of Excellence. Ms. Anderson also serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and is the Track and Field assistant coach.
“As a civics teacher at Indian Trails Middle School, Brandy encourages a deep understanding of government and civic responsibility within her students, as well a passion for critical thinking,” said Superintendent of Flagler County Schools LaShakia Moore. “Brandy is a role model of integrity, resilience, and passion for education.”
