Tallahassee to Announce Teacher of the Year Amidst Celebration for Exceptional Educators

Tallahassee Prepares to Celebrate Teacher of the Year

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Leon County Schools is set to announce its Teacher of the Year on Monday, in a momentous occasion meant to recognize exceptional educators in the district. Five outstanding teachers have been selected for this prestigious award after a rigorous nomination and vetting process that included interviews. The announcement will culminate in a surprise celebration, organized by Superintendent Rocky Hanna and district staff, in the chosen teacher’s classroom.

Nominees for the Award

The selection process has highlighted the incredible dedication and impact of the finalists:

• Melissa Olson: With 31 years of teaching experience, Olson has spent 21 years with the district. Currently, she teaches gifted students at DeSoto Trail Elementary and is credited with helping the school achieve National Wildlife Federation’s EcoSchool status.
• Emily Pennington: A passionate educator with 17 years of teaching under her belt, Pennington has been part of the district for 16 years. She teaches third graders at Killearn Lakes Elementary and has managed to support her 42 students through a difficult school year following the loss of her teaching partner.
• Krista Reynolds: Reynolds has spent 18 years in education, three of which have been with Leon County Schools. At Cobb Middle School, she specializes in teaching science and has successfully led over 83% of her students to master the elements of the periodic table.
• Brynn Wallace: With 23 years of teaching experience, Wallace has been with the district for 19 years, focusing on biology at Raa Middle School. She initiated the “Bio Bootcamp,” which prepared her students for end-of-course exams; her efforts resulted in over 100% of students scoring above average.
• Ryan Williams: A relatively newer teacher with nine years of experience, Williams has been with the district for six years and is the team leader for third-grade teachers at Bond Elementary School. His data-driven approach has been pivotal in elevating the school’s performance to a B status.

Significance of the Award

The winner of the Teacher of the Year will not only receive local recognition but will also be nominated for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award. That state-level award will be revealed after March. The entire process showcases the profound impact teachers have on their students and the community, celebrating their hard work and commitment to education.

Anticipation Builds

As the day approaches, excitement is palpable among students and staff alike. The surprise announcement aims to bring joy and recognition to a teacher who has made significant strides in their classroom. This initiative reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education, encouraging a culture that values teaching as a vital profession.

As the community awaits the decision, it’s clear that all five finalists have made lasting contributions to their schools and students, exemplifying what it means to be an exceptional educator.