Tallahassee Educator Named 2024-25 Teacher of the Year

Tallahassee Educator Named 2024-25 Teacher of the Year

In a heartfelt ceremony at DeSoto Trail Elementary School, Melissa Olson was declared the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year for Leon County on Monday morning. This announcement came as a complete surprise to Olson, as she was met by Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, her principal Michele Keltner, her family, and various district and school staff members.

Olson was visibly emotional upon receiving the news, shedding tears of joy. “I’m incredibly honored because the other four people who were in this group with me are phenomenal teachers themselves,” she stated in the school library. The recognition is especially significant as Olson was chosen from a pool of over 2,200 teachers in the district.

Dedication and Achievement

With an impressive teaching career spanning 31 years, Olson has dedicated 21 years to the Leon County School district and has spent the past six years enriching the lives of students at DeSoto Trail. Superintendent Hanna commented on her exceptional contributions, stating, “This is a very prestigious honor to be named Leon County’s Teacher of the Year, especially someone like Mrs. Olson who has gone above and beyond to help students with learning disabilities. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have her.”

Olson plays a crucial role in supporting her school’s sustainability efforts. She successfully led the school’s application for certification through the National Wildlife Federation’s EcoSchools U.S. program. In addition, she coordinates the Career & Professional Education (CAPE) program for students in grades 3-5 in her STEAM classroom, focusing on essential skills like digital literacy and cybersecurity.

Family Support

Her family expressed immense pride in her achievements. Her husband, Scotty Olson, shared, “She gets home from work and sits on the couch and pulls that laptop out to get lesson plans and stuff like that together. She’s a hard worker and dedicated to her work and to these kids.” Together with their two sons, Reese and Teegan, they celebrated this significant accolade.

Words from Students

Olson’s impact extends to her students, who took a moment to voice their admiration. “She is really nice,” one student said. Another added, “She always has a smile.” Their enthusiasm highlights the warm and supportive environment Olson fosters within her classroom.

Next Steps and Upcoming Honors

Looking ahead, Olson will have the opportunity to be considered for Florida’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award. She will also be honored at the district’s Night of Celebration gala, held annually to recognize exceptional educators at the end of the academic year.

As Olson reflects on this significant honor, her gratitude is deeply felt. “There are so many teachers across this district who do so many phenomenal things that others don’t see that I hope will one day be recognized too, but it means a great deal that all the work we put in gets recognized,” she concluded.