Jaime Suarez Named Florida’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

July 25, 2024

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Jaime Suarez Named Florida's 2025 Teacher of the Year

~ Jaime Suarez was selected from nearly 185,000 public school teachers to serve as Florida's Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education ~

Tallahassee, Fla., July 25, 2024 - Tonight, Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., named Jaime Suarez as the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. Jaime Suarez, a mathematics teacher at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics in Hernando County, was selected from among five Teacher of the Year finalists through a rigorous selection process. The Florida Teacher of the Year program celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.

"Congratulations to Jaime Suarez on being named Florida's 2025 Teacher of the Year," said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. "It is because of inspirational and dedicated educators like Jaime that Florida's students continue to exceed expectations and raise the bar for education. I look forward to seeing the impact that she will make on educators across the state over the next year."

Jaime Suarez teaches mathematics to students in grades 6-8 at the Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Troy University. Ms. Suarez is a High Impact teacher, is the grade level team lead and mentor, coordinator of the Math Field Day and serves on the district's science textbook selection committee.

Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership, Jaime Suarez, as this year's Teacher of the Year recipient, will receive a $50,000 award from the state of Florida. She will also serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year, advocating for students and representing Florida's remarkable teaching community. In addition, Jaime Suarez will 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 her choice.

The five Teacher of the Year finalists will each receive a $20,000 bonus. All finalists have demonstrated a deep passion for teaching and have made a significant impact in their respective classrooms and school communities. Their commitment to nurturing young minds and inspiring fellow educators has set them apart as exemplary role models for both students and teachers.

In addition to the Teacher of the Year announcement, the Teacher of the Year Special Awards honor an elite group of educators who make Florida's education system truly exceptional and number one in the nation. The awards and recipients are below:

Ron Nieto "Digital Educator" Award

Recipient: Lindsey Laurino, St. Lucie County

The Ron Nieto Digital Educator award recognizes extraordinary educators who use digital components to enhance student achievement in the classroom. Congratulations to Lindsey Laurino!

Outstanding Teacher Leader Award

Recipient: Cassi McGee, Escambia County

The Outstanding Teacher Leader Award honors the legacy of exceptional educators and teacher leaders. This year's honoree is Cassi McGee.

Mary J. Brogan "Excellence in Teaching" Award

Recipient: Gerard Madrinan, Pinellas County

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.

Liz Moya "Life Skills and Citizenship" Award

Recipient: Andrea Polanco, Collier County

Andrea Polanco was selected as the recipient of the Liz Moya Life Skills and Citizenship Award for. 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.

Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' "Invested in Excellence" Award

Recipient: Emily Fagerstrom, Volusia County

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 is Emily Fagerstrom.

In partnership with the Florida Education Foundation, the Florida Teacher of the Year program is made possible by these generous sponsors: Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan; Florida State University College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; Helios Education Foundation; Sunshine Health; Jenkins Automotive Group; The Florida Lottery; Florida Power & Light; HCA Florida Healthcare; Herff Jones; Publix Charities; JM Family Enterprises; Comcast; and PNC Bank.

For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.

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