His father taught chemistry at SHS for 34 years, and the tradition continues today: Andy’s wife Krissy, also a Sailor and his high school sweetheart, now serves as the school’s AICE coordinator. Their 16-year-old son is currently a student there, and their two younger boys are poised to follow in those same footsteps. 

Love of education runs deep in the Harshman family.

“This job is my passion,” Harshman said. “I won’t ever get out of education as my profession. I bleed orange and black, so I don’t want to be anywhere else.” 

That passion was on full display on November 14, when Harshman was named Sarasota County High School Teacher of the Year in a surprise announcement at Sarasota High. His wife, parents, mother-in-law, and all three sons joined a gymnasium full of cheering students, fellow educators, school leaders, and the school’s drum line to celebrate the moment—a tribute not just to Harshman’s dedication, but to a family and community that have long believed in the power of education. 

“I was super humbled because I’ve learned from such great educators and my colleagues,” Harshman said. “So to be singled out was overwhelming and exciting at the same time.”

As the youngest of four children, Harshman hadn’t planned on carrying the family’s teaching tradition forward. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering, concentrating on water and wastewater treatment. But while completing his graduate studies, he became a teaching assistant, and the rest is history. That experience set him on a new course, and he has never looked back. 

Harshman wears many hats at SHS and has a proven record. He is the visionary leader of the MaST (Math, Science, Technology) Research Institute, a program recognized as one of the most prestigious high school science research initiatives in Florida and across the nation. MaST students have earned more than 200 first-place awards at regional STEM fairs, won state championships, and been finalists at the International Science and Engineering Fair almost every year. They often earn scholarships and opportunities that open doors to the country’s most competitive universities. 

The integration of AP Capstone into the curriculum, which Harshman leads, has also resulted in numerous Capstone Certificate recipients, with last year’s seniors achieving a 100% pass rate on the AP Research exam. 

In addition, Harshman leads SHS Drumline, is chair of the science department, vice chair of the shared decision-making team (SDMT), and a member of the school advisory council. He is a shining example of one of his standout aspirational phrases: teachers care beyond the content. He goes above and beyond for his school, students, and community, all while giving credit to others, saying that “all these people who’ve helped me along the way and the kids—they’ve all inspired me. I’ve learned so much from others, and the kids make me look good by the work they do. It’s all about them.” 

On December 11, at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year celebration, Harshman was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year. He will go on to represent Sarasota County statewide in a variety of educational activities and events over the next calendar year.

It is understandable that a teacher like Harshman, who puts in the effort and demonstrates a high level of care and dedication daily, is held in such high regard by his students, colleagues, and administration. Even when the spotlight shines on him, he’s the type of teacher who includes others in the glow. 

“I’m really honored and happy to share this with all the people in my life.”