ORLANDO, Fla. – Three Northeast Florida teachers were awarded a $20,000 check on Thursday morning for being selected among the five finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded the checks during the 2026 Teacher of the Year Event in Orlando.
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Among the five finalists are 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, and Mark Harrison, a teacher at Union County High School; and Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus County.
“It’s the folks that are there every day that really make the difference. And so while you’ll hear me saying, ‘Hey, we’ve improved in grades, we’ve done this, we’ve done that,’ just know that is not top-down driven that would achieve bottom-up. And that’s why 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,” DeSantis said.
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.”
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.
“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.”
The other two finalists include Katy Jo Harrison, a first-grade teacher at Hosford Elementary and Junior High School in Liberty County, and Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus 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 application on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional learning and outstanding school and community service.
The 2026 Teacher of the Year winner will be announced on Thursday evening, DeSantis said.
The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and will represent the Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.