Volusia County Schools has named its 2027 Teacher of the Year candidates, starting a process that will conclude in January.
The 70 nominees − one from each school or learning center − are vying to succeed the 2026 winner, Jeremy Davies of Spruce Creek High School. He teaches International Baccalaureate math and coaches tennis at his alma mater.
“These nominees remind us that the true measure of a teacher is found in the lives they transform,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said in a news release. “Their dedication shapes futures, strengthens communities, and inspires excellence across Volusia County.”
Five finalists will be selected by a committee of parents, business partners, community members, teachers and administrators sometime before Thanksgiving, according to the district. The winner will be announced at a Jan. 10 banquet presented by the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools and sponsored by AdventHealth at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.
Here is the list of nominees:
Volusia County Schools high school Teacher of the Year finalists
Rafael Valle, Atlantic; Robert Rizzo III, DeLand; Anthony Saunders, Deltona; Steven Clem, Mainland; Clifford Weisheimer, New Smyrna Beach; Leland Wilbert, Pine Ridge; Chris Palau, Seabreeze; Danyalle Miles, Spruce Creek; S. Shea Osterkamp, Taylor Middle-High; LaSandria Joseph, University.
Volusia County Schools middle school Teacher of the Year finalists
Bree’Shawn Watson, Campbell; Heather Cabaniss, Creekside; Caitlin Caroline Spencer, David Hinson; Christian Ricketts, DeLand; Dainise Cruz Cruz, Deltona; Matthew Pellegrino, Galaxy; John Holland, Heritage; Cynthia Resner, New Smyrna Beach; Nancy Parris, Ormond Beach; Kristine Baker, River Springs; Eric Nord, Silver Sands; Bernadette Bryant, Southwestern.
Volusia County Schools elementary school Teacher of the Year finalists
Jordan Kalkhurst, Beachside; Gina Klimas, Blue Lake; Annissa Clute, Champion; Christine Baird, Chisholm; Amy Derstine, Citrus Grove; Meaghan O’Dwyer, Coronado Beach; Trisha Bray, Cypress Creek; Leah Miller, DeBary; Oscar Hernandez, Deltona Lakes; Daniel Montero Reyes, Discovery; Jennifer May, Edgewater Public; Lisa Ann Kolmetz, Edith Starke; Lynne Gregory, Enterprise; Amanda Andrews, Forest Lake; Charles Madden, Freedom; Asia Pratt, Friendship; Kristin Pegler, George Marks; Stefanie Friedman, Holly Hill; Vada Lay, Horizon; Patricia Crouse, Indian River; Amy Hagopian, Louise McInnis; Jessica Riggs, Manatee Cove; Nicole Stafford, Orange City; Leslye Grossmann, Ormond Beach; Don Holt, Osteen; Daria Williams, Palm Terrace; Stacy Sampson, Pathways; Jolie Kelly, Pierson; Sara Giunta, Pine Trail; Tara Thomas; Port Orange; Amber Swindle, Pride; Erika Kazma, R.J. Longstreet; Marcela Donoso Tombley, Read-Pattillo; Angela Moller, South Daytona; JoAnna Elliot, Spirit; Danielle Sinatra, Spruce Creek; Amanda Cerda; Sugar Mill; Melissa Scorpio, Sunrise; Amy Longstreet, Sweetwater; Beth Vanderkooi, Timbercrest; Jacqueline Chartier, Tomoka; Vernell Williams-Spar, Turie T. Small; Jamie Carlson, Volusia Pines; Timothy Mills, Westside; Kathryn Goble, Woodward Avenue.
Volusia County Schools Teacher of the Year finalists for other institutions
Lisette Nazario-Lamplugh, Highbanks Learning Center; Celena Tillman-Stephens, Riverview Learning Center; Stacey Horn, Volusia Online Learning.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County Schools will consider 70 nominees for Teacher of the Year
Reporting by Mark Harper, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
