Amazing teachers transform lives—and each year, in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County celebrates these educators through the Ignite Education 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 are selected. From these three exceptional educators, one is chosen for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. 

At the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, we announce the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year and highlight the many ways teachers inspire students and prepare them to succeed and lead meaningful lives. While there is only one Sarasota County Teacher of the Year recipient, 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.

Loridia Urquiza

Booker High School
2022 High School Teacher of the Year

Learn more about this year’s finalists. 

This Year’s Sponsors