Out of 38 nominees, Kimberly Day-Scanlon of Kenwood Elementary has been selected as the Okaloosa County School District’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.
Day-Scanlon serves as a fourth- and fifth-gradeESE CBA teacher and “brings a deep commitment to education and student success,” according to a news release from the district.
The Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year program recognizes excellence one year in advance. Selection for the 2027 Teacher of the Year began in 2025, when each school faculty selected its Teacher of the Year, according to a news release.
Day-Scanlon earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and her master’s in inclusive education/special education from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York.
“Ms. Day-Scanlon exemplifies the heart of teaching in Okaloosa County,” SuperintendentMarcus Chambers said in a news release.
“Her dedication to students, particularly those with unique learning needs, reflects the very best of our profession. She represents the compassion, skill and excellence we see every day in classrooms across our district, and we are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year,” Chambers said in the release.
Runners-up for the 2027 Teacher of the Year were Kimberly Moran, an art teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, and Sarah Theres, a music teacher at Florosa Elementary School.
Each nominee demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent and a commitment to student achievement, according to the release.
Day-Scanlon will represent Okaloosa County in the competition against educators from 71 public school districts and other institutions across Florida for the state’s top teaching honor.
She will also participate in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Roundtable and attend the Macy’s Gala Awards Ceremony, where the Florida Teacher of the Year will be announced.
This information was provided by the Catherine Card, Public Information Officer for the Okaloosa County School District.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Meet Okaloosa County’s Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Day-Scanlon
Reporting by The Destin Log / Northwest Florida Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
