Florida celebrated the 2025 Teacher of the Year with a $50,000 award, and the other finalists were awarded $20,000 each.
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., named Jaime Suarez as the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. Jaime Suarez, a mathematics teacher at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics in Hernando County, was selected from among five Teacher of the Year finalists through a rigorous selection process.
The Florida Teacher of the Year program celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.
“Florida is proud to recognize and reward good teachers in the state,” Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said.
Below are the five finalists for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year:
- Samantha Nelson, Florida State University School
- Jennifer Brown, Marion County
- Jaime Suarez, Hernando County
- Dr. Clayton Nylund, Hillsborough County
- Heather Stewart, Walton County
Florida Governor DeSantis recognized the five 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists and presented each finalist with a $20,000 check. All finalists have demonstrated a deep passion for teaching and have made a significant impact in their respective classrooms and school communities.
In addition to the title and initial $20,000 award, Jaime Suarez will receive another $30,000, bringing her total award to $50,000.
She will also serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year, advocating for students and representing Florida’s remarkable teaching community. In addition, Jaime Suarez will receive a tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree from the Florida State University College of Education and a two-year Florida College scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan to present to a student of her choice.
Jaime Suarez teaches mathematics to students in grades 6-8 at the Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University. Suarez is a High Impact teacher, is the grade level team lead and mentor, coordinator of the Math Field Day and serves on the district’s science textbook selection committee.
