Friday November 15 was an unforgettable day for three Sarasota County teachers, when they learned that they had been selected as the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, which recognizes standout educators and excellence in teaching. It started that morning when school administrators boarded a bus along with several Education Foundation staffers, former Teachers of the Year, and reporters to embark on the “teacher tribute” tour route to Taylor Ranch Elementary, Pine View Middle, and Venice High to honor Rebekah Zech, Margaret Higgins, and Kelly Rozelle in a surprise announcement. 

Students, fellow teachers, staff, and even family members gathered to celebrate the chosen finalist for their school. “I’m shocked,” said Rozelle. “This is very humbling and unexpected. Thank you!” 

It is a lengthy process to get to this day. Within each school, teachers are nominated anonymously, and selections are made within that school. The teachers can then submit their applications and videos to be considered for district teacher of the year for elementary, middle, and high school. These submissions are reviewed by a panel, consisting of school administrators, past Teachers of the Year, and representatives from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, who partners with Sarasota County Schools to coordinate the bus tour.  

“Seeing the surprise on these teachers’ faces reminds me of why we do this work,” said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. “Teachers are so deserving of our recognition and support, and this is just one way we can show them what they mean to this community and the kids who look up to them.” 

The following month, the Education Foundation hosts the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration, where all recipients of Teacher of the Year are recognized, the finalists are honored, and the district Teacher of the Year is announced. An additional award for Innovator of the Year will also be awarded to a teacher that evening. This year, Ignite Education is being held at Ora on December 12, 2024, made possible through the support of generous sponsors. The Education Foundation is grateful to presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group and gold sponsor Suncoast Credit Union. For those who would like to celebrate excellence in teaching with us, tickets are still available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/ignite.