STUART — Twenty-four outstanding educators have been named Teacher of the Year at their respective Martin County schools and will now vie for the title of Martin County Teacher of the Year.
The 24 school-level honorees will be recognized at the Education Foundation of Martin County’s 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, presented by Audi Stuart and INFINITI Stuart, on Friday, Nov. 6, at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center.
Each year, schools throughout Martin County select an educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, dedication to students and a commitment to education. During the celebration, the school-level Teachers of the Year will be recognized in elementary, middle and high school categories. Keiser University continues to sponsor the High School Teacher of the Year award, while Cigna Healthcare has committed to sponsoring either the Elementary or Middle School Teacher of the Year award, leaving one category sponsorship opportunity available for a community partner interested in joining EFMC in celebrating excellence in education and Martin County’s outstanding teachers.
One of these educators will be named the overall Martin County Teacher of the Year and will represent the district in the Florida Department of Education’s statewide Teacher of the Year competition.
“Being named Teacher of the Year by your own school is an incredible honor because it reflects the impact these educators have on their students, colleagues and school communities every day,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “We are proud to celebrate all 24 of these exceptional educators and give our community an opportunity to recognize the dedication, passion and heart they bring to their classrooms. Each one represents the best of education in Martin County.”
Publix Super Markets Charities will sponsor the evening’s Spirit Award, which recognizes the school staff whose creativity, enthusiasm and theme-inspired energy shine brightest during the celebration.
The 2026-27 school-level Teachers of the Year are:
• Rachel Fitzsimmons — Bessey Creek Elementary School
• Ivette Combass — Citrus Grove Elementary School
• Amy Orr — Crystal Lake Elementary School
• Heather-Ann Covington — Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
• Anna Harkins — Felix A. Williams Elementary School
• Nick Carannante — Hidden Oaks Middle School
• Crystal Brandt — Hobe Sound Elementary School
• Avalon Cummings — The Hope Center for Autism
• Miriam Hernández — Indiantown Middle School
• Rosa Bradford — J.D. Parker Elementary School
• Amanda McConnell — Jensen Beach Elementary School
• Karen Allen — Jensen Beach High School
• Allison Howard — Martin County High School
• Ireland Awe — Murray Middle School
• Brandi Heaton — Palm City Elementary School
• Richard Acosta — Pinewood Elementary School
• Jacqueline Davis — Port Salerno Elementary School
• Rhonda Oksman — Riverbend Academy
• Shannon Miller — SeaWind Elementary School
• Marc Turull — South Fork High School
• Nayomie Duran — Spectrum Academy
• Heather Ryan — Stuart Middle School
• Bobby Kennedy — Treasure Coast Classical Academy
• Holly Jo Sheltra — Warfield Elementary School
The community is invited to join the celebration by voting online for their favorite school-level Teacher of the Year and sharing how that educator has made a positive difference at school or in the community. Voting is available at EducationFoundationMC.org.
Audi Stuart and INFINITI Stuart, part of the Murgado Automotive Group, have served as presenting sponsors of the celebration for more than a decade.
“Great teachers build great communities. Behind so many of our community’s success stories is a teacher who believed in someone first,” said Devin Carlson, partner and Florida platform director for Murgado Automotive Group. “Murgado Automotive is proud to once again celebrate the Teacher of the Year, and while only one educator will receive the keys to a new luxury vehicle for the year, that honoree represents every teacher in Martin County. To all of them, thank you for everything you do for our children! We are looking forward to another great year celebrating our teachers!”
Additional event sponsors include Martin County Administrative & Supervisory Association, Hedrick Brothers Construction and Florida Power & Light Company.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and community partners interested in supporting the celebration and recognizing Martin County’s outstanding educators.
To learn more, visit EducationFoundationMC.org or call 772-600-8062.