Holley-Navarre Intermediate School teacher Kayla Stanford received the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations’ “Invested in Excellence” Award last night at Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Gala in Orlando. The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Invested in Excellence Award is presented to a teacher who has a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, their school and their community.
At the ceremony, Mark Harrison was named the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year. The Florida Teacher of the Year program celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.
Harrison will receive a $50,000 award. He 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, Mr. Harrison 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 his choice.
The five Teacher of the Year finalists will each receive a $20,000 bonus. All finalists have demonstrated a deep passion for teaching and have made a significant impact in their respective classrooms and school communities. Their commitment to nurturing young minds and inspiring fellow educators has set them apart as exemplary role models for both students and teachers.
In addition to the Teacher of the Year announcement, the Teacher of the Year Special Awards honor an elite group of educators who make Florida’s education system truly exceptional and number one in the nation. The awards and recipients are below:
Outstanding Teacher Leader Award
Recipient: Jennifer Morrow of Indian River County
The Outstanding Teacher Leader Award honors the legacy of exceptional educators and teacher leaders. This year’s honoree is Jennifer Morrow of Indian River County.
Educator Legacy Award
Recipient: Kimberly Stalker of Palm Beach County
Kimberly Stalker is this year’s recipient of the Educator Legacy Award. This award is presented to a district teacher of the year who instills a passion for learning in their students.
Excellence in Service Award
Recipient: Vincent Taylor from Duval County
Vincent Taylor was selected as the recipient of the Excellence in Service Award. The Excellence in Service Award honors one educator who consistently goes above and beyond expectations. This individual not only excels in the classroom but also actively serves and uplifts the community in which they teach.
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations’ “Invested in Excellence” Award
Recipient: Kayla Stanford of Santa Rosa County
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Invested in Excellence Award is presented to a teacher who has a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, their school and their community. This year’s recipient is Kayla Stanford of Santa Rosa County
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
