Last year, when Superintendent Terry Connor handed Kelly Rozelle a bouquet of flowers and announced her as a finalist for Teacher of the Year, the Venice High School teacher could only shake her head and say, “I am in total shock.” She was still processing it all when, just a few weeks later, she was named Sarasota County Schools’ Teacher of the Year at the Ignite Education ceremony.

“It means a lot to represent my school,” Rozelle said. “But the district! I want to make my county proud, my students proud, and my school proud.” 

When she was awarded last year, the attention was overwhelming – she found it difficult to talk about herself. And even though Rozelle admitted in a recent interview that “the honor is still shocking and humbling,” something about her had changed. It soon became clear that she had taken this year to learn, stretch and grow in ways she never expected. Most apparent was a new air of confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Last summer, Rozelle attended the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Gala in Orlando, hosted by the Florida Department of Education, where she connected with other county Teachers of the Year. Shortly after, she joined the Florida Teacher Lead Network (FTLN), a yearlong training program that develops teachers as leaders in their schools and supports improved outcomes far beyond their own classrooms. 

Through FTLN, Rozelle participated in a weeklong workshop with teachers and specialists from across the state, learning new techniques and strategies to strengthen instruction. “I learned things I never thought of,” she said. One of the most challenging components was learning how to coach other teachers. 

“We’ve been teaching for so long, it just comes naturally,” she said. “So breaking down my own process and then sharing that with other teachers was like learning a new language.” 

The hands-on learning opportunities, combined with collaborating with other Teachers of the Year, inspired Rozelle. She was excited to return to her classroom in the fall. 

“What I’ve learned is that there’s so much more I want to learn and do,” she said. “I’ve met and worked with some of the best educators in the state, and it has rejuvenated my passion for teaching. I just want to be better for my students.” 

She will continue with FTLN until she graduates from the program next July. 

As Sarasota County Teacher of the Year, Rozelle was invited to take part in community events. She was recognized at an Orioles game on Education Day and again at a USF football game — a meaningful moment since she earned her master’s degree there. 

When reflecting on all she has accomplished this year, we asked who she thought was most proud of her. Without missing a beat, she said, “My students.” 

“They were with me through everything, and they were a part of the process even though there were more requirements for the state level,” she said. “My third-period class — the one that was there when Superintendent Connor announced me — wanted to be the kids who helped with everything, like videotaping my lesson plans and interviewing my students. They wanted to show how great their class was.” 

As Rozelle’s tenure as Teacher of the Year comes to an end, she hopes she has made the county, her students and her school proud. 

“I’m a Sarasota girl,” she said. “Born here, went to school here, went away to college, then came back to work here — and I look forward to celebrating the next Teachers of the Year.” 

She’ll get that chance soon, as the next finalists will take the stage in December at the 2026 Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards, where Rozelle will pass the torch to the next district honoree. She has gained a deep understanding of the role’s significance — one that requires teachers to be both learners and leaders. While her confidence has grown, her humility and kindness remain unchanged as she moves into the next chapter. 

“I’m really excited to meet and work with the finalists and be a part of their journey as well,” she said. “Now I have this relationship with past Teachers of the Year, and we’re like a family. I look forward to being that support to up-and-comers.”