We value the amazing teachers in our community, and each year, in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, we celebrate these educators through the IGNITE Teacher of the Year Awards. Each district school nominates its honoree, and of those teachers, an elementary, a middle school, and a high school Teacher of the Year is selected. From these three exceptional individuals, one is chosen for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.

At the IGNITE Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, we announce the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year and highlight the many ways our teachers inspire students and prepare them to succeed and lead meaningful lives. While only one Teacher of the Year is selected, the award process and the ceremony represent how deeply we appreciate all the hard work, compassion, and commitment of the thousands of teachers in Sarasota County Schools.

This Year’s Finalists

Loridia Urquiza

Booker High School

High School Teacher of the Year

Learn more about this year’s finalists. 

This Year’s Sponsors