Editor’s note: The polls are now closed. See below for the winners of Round 3. Then come back at 5 a.m. Sunday to vote in the final poll to determine the TCPalm Teacher of the Year.
It’s time to name the TCPalm Teacher of the Year.
The TCPalm Teacher of the Week feature launched about a year ago, bringing recognition to some of the amazing teachers on the Treasure Coast. The idea was for TCPalm to recognize Treasure Coast teachers making a difference for their students and their schools.
Readers — parents, administrators, students, community members and other teachers ― nominated teachers each week, and four teachers were featured in that week’s poll, allowing readers to vote for their favorite. The teacher with the most votes was named TCPalm Teacher of the Week.
Now, TCPalm has compiled a Top 16 list of teachers who received the most votes over the past year during their featured week. The list of the Top 16 teachers is below.
In the first week, April 12-17, there were eight separate polls, with two teachers in each. The teachers with the most votes in their polls moved on to Round 2 (April 19-24). The top four teachers appeared in Round 3 (April 26-May 1) before the final two teachers now compete head-to-head for the top honor in Round 4 (May 3-8.)
Remember to keep nominating your favorite teachers for future Teacher of the Week polls, so TCPalm can feature more amazing teachers on the Treasure Coast. A new year of recognizing teachers weekly begins later in May.
As always, voting opens at 5 a.m. Sunday and ends at noon Friday. Anyone can vote in the polls.
The top 16 teachers were:
Carolyn Henderson, John Carroll High School, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Mrs. Henderson has been with John Carroll High School since 1993. Her storytelling skills and presentations have brought U.S. History alive for our students for many decades, and she is a favorite among students. She has perfected the art of teaching AP Seminar, giving hundreds of students the opportunity to sharpen their research, writing and communication skills through this inquiry-based course. Her passion and commitment show every day.”
Nina Hong, Palm Pointe Elementary, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “We are new to the school this year, so our children do not know the staff that well and vice versa. In February, my husband left for two months for work. Our second grader took this very hard. He was able to subside his emotions and head into school that morning. He came home with a letter he had written to his Dad. I reached out to thank her, and she informed me that she noticed immediately that our son was not himself. She truly goes above and beyond!”
Tabatha Williams-Johnson, Morningside Elementary, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “The ONLY teacher who can teach, grow, love, guide, help, and inspire EVERY student that has come her way (yes, even “those” kids). My 2025 graduate tells me fourth grade was the ‘best year of her life’.”
Ed Marchant, Clark Advanced Learning Center, Martin County
What the nominator said: “Ed is an exceptional teacher and should be recognized as an outstanding educator at Clark and previously at Stuart Middle School. Ed Marchant brings passion, dedication, and inspiration into the classroom every single day, making a great impact on students’ academic and personal growth.”
Jean Wright, Warfield Elementary School, Martin County
What the nominator said: “Jean Wright is a phenomenal 36-year teacher. For the past four years, she has been teaching the ESE self-contained classroom. She has dedicated her life to the mission of helping her students succeed and becoming the best version of themselves. Her goal is to make all of her students good, productive citizens of society. She works tirelessly each day to ensure all her students are in a warm, loving, and secure learning environment.”
Jenifer O’Brien, Morningside Elementary, St. Lucie CountyWhat the nominator said: “Ms. O’Brien is Morningside Elementary’s ESE Specialist. She has worked with my 15 year old when he was at Morningside and is now working with my 9 year old. She is such an amazing teacher! She treats my kids with kindness. She doesn’t look down on you or your children. She helps them and makes them feel good about themselves! She is always so nice and she cares!”
Charlene Carter, Lakewood Park Elementary School, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Mrs. Carter is inspiring, energetic, and truly a servant teacher leader. Not only does she support schoolwide improvement efforts through her role as a coach, she also teaches a class of fifth graders! She is as dependable as she is knowledgeable and shows every day she doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. She will push you to be your best self, and be your biggest cheerleader along the way. The students are so lucky to have her!!”
Cheryl Durham, Liberty Magnet, Indian River County
What the nominator said: “Mrs. Durham goes above and beyond for her students. She strives to bring out the best in her students and helps them achieve their goals. Every day is a fresh start. Thankful that Mrs. Durham has been a part of my son’s journey.”
Paula Vasquez, JD Parker Elementary School of STEAM and Aerospace, Martin County
What the nominator said: “I would like to nominate Paula Vasquez for Teacher of the Week because her growth and dedication as an educator have been truly inspiring. She is deeply committed to her students, always advocating for their needs and ensuring they feel supported. Her kindness, consistency, and willingness to learn make her an exceptional role model for both students and staff. She truly embodies what it means to be an effective and compassionate teacher.”
Catherine Bitz, Morningside Elementary, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Ms. Bitz is one of Morningside Elementary’s ESE teachers. She is the speech language pathologist. She worked with my 15-year-old son when he was at Morningside and is now working with my 9-year-old son. She has helped him so much on his speech and communication. Both of my boys love Ms. Bitz! She is an amazing and caring teacher! Morningside is definitely better with Ms. Bitz there taking care of my boys! We appreciate her! Thank you, Ms. Bitz!”
Ranika Hart, Lawnwood Elementary/White City Elementary, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Mrs. Ranika Hart is a phenomenal teacher/person all in all. She has always cared for her students as if they were her own, and that’s what I have always admired about her. Thank you, Mrs. Ranika Hart, for all that you do.”
Jonathan McLellan, Liberty Magnet School, Indian River County
What the nominator said: “Every school has teachers who make a difference, but only once in a while do you meet a teacher who transforms a classroom into a place where students feel capable, valued, and inspired. At Liberty Magnet School, that teacher is Mr. McLellan, a fifth-grade math teacher whose influence reaches far beyond the walls of his room. His dedication, creativity, and genuine passion for student success make him a standout educator and the ideal choice.”
Cory Allen, Port St. Lucie High, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Mr. Allen is the best teacher I have ever had. He makes me eager to go to class, he is such a fun teacher. I genuinely find myself wanting to learn and know more in his class. He is kind and understanding, constantly going above and beyond for his students. He even recently dedicated a Saturday to tutor a large number of us because we were nervous for our AICE tests (and paid for close to 20 pizzas!!) He is AMAZING and deserves recognition.”
Jill Ann Boudreau, Jensen Beach Elementary, Martin County
What the nominator said: “Jill Boudreau is truly the queen of kindergarten! Every day, she brings warmth, patience, and joy to her classroom, creating a magical space where young learners feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. Her creativity shines through in every lesson, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for discovery.”
Trevor Sparacio, Lincoln Park Academy, St. Lucie County
What the nominator said: “Trevor teaches civics to middle school students at Lincoln Park Academy. He is dedicated to his school and families. He sends out weekly newsletters and updates on what they will learn for the week, and what he has taught the week before. He is diligent with planning, not just for his classroom, but planning with his partner teacher. This ensures that students experience strong instructional practices across classrooms.”
Morgan Chasteen, Treasure Coast Elementary, Indian River County
What the nominator said: “Morgan is a self-contained classroom teacher. She is teaching these students not only ABC’s and 123’s but helping them become potty-trained and how to communicate. She goes above and beyond for them every day while being a wife, a mom and continuing her education to go even farther in the exceptional education field. She also tutors children after hours to help them succeed.”
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vote for the TCPalm Teacher of the Year winner in Round 4 final poll
Reporting by Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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