SARASOTA, FL - Enthusiasm was high on Friday, November 15 as several local school administrators, Education Foundation of Sarasota County team members, former Teacher of the Year recipients, sponsors, and school board members boarded a bus donated by All Around Charters & Tours to embark on the Teacher Tribute Tour. Departing from Sarasota County Schools’ headquarters, the bus made its rounds to three schools to surprise three teachers with exciting news: they had been named finalists for the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Award. This year’s finalists are:
Elementary Teacher of the Year, Rebekah Zech from Taylor Ranch Elementary School
Middle School Teacher of the Year, Maggie Higgins from Pine View School
High School Teacher of the Year, Kelly Rozelle from Venice High School
Each school honored its Teacher of the Year with a gathering of students, teachers, administrators, and family members, where each teacher was greeted with cheers, flowers, and words of praise from Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor and Education Foundation of Sarasota County President and CEO, Jennifer Vigne. School-based staff coordinated the surprise event, where each unsuspecting finalist was announced at their school.
“Thank you so much for your faith in me and your support,” said Higgins, after being celebrated by the bus tour participants and the entire seventh grade. “I love all my students so much.”
“Seeing the surprise on these teachers’ faces reminds me of why we do this work,” said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. “Teachers are so deserving of our recognition and support, and this is just one way we can show them what they mean to this community and the kids who look up to them.”
“It is always an honor to recognize our Teachers of the Year,” commented Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “This unique surprise event allows us to celebrate within our school communities and include the teacher’s students and colleagues, oftentimes their family as well. Our Teachers of the Year dedicate a tremendous amount of their time, heart, and focus to ensuring their students are on a path of growth and success. We are grateful to partner with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to highlight their achievements.”
The bus tour is part of the annual Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration, which the Education Foundation hosts in partnership with Sarasota County Schools. This year’s Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration will be held on Thursday, December 12, at The Ora, where 46 school-based Teachers of the Year will be honored, and one of the three finalists will be named the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. One teacher will also be recognized as the Innovation Teacher of the Year, an award developed by the Education Foundation to recognize teachers at the forefront of education excellence.
Throughout 2025, the district Teacher of the Year will represent Sarasota County Schools at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program and will serve as a spokesperson for and representative of the teaching profession.
This celebration is made possible because of generous sponsors. The Education Foundation is grateful for presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group and gold sponsor Suncoast Credit Union. For more information about the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, including ticket availability, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/ignite.
About the Teacher of the Year Program
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools celebrates educators through the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration. Each district school nominates its honoree, and of those teachers, an elementary, a middle school, and a high school Teacher of the Year are selected. From these three exceptional educators, one is chosen for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
At the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year is announced. All the finalists are recognized, highlighting and celebrating the many ways teachers inspire students and prepare them to succeed and lead meaningful lives.
About Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota County Schools is committed to providing unrivaled academic, developmental, and civic growth to every student, every day. Our schools offer a variety of engaging programs and rigorous learning pathways to expertly cater to the diverse needs of all our students. We are one of two Florida school districts to consistently earn an A-grade every year since 2004 and have been awarded the Mid-Sized School District of the Year by the University of Cambridge. Sarasota County Schools’ dedicated educators empower students to take charge of their academic and personal success, a practice we believe fosters lifelong growth and achievement. Our schools actively maintain the district’s tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition extends to all students. Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation to make sure they not only graduate on time but do so college and career ready. Learn more by connecting with us on social media (@sarasotaschools on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn) or by visiting www.SarasotaCountySchools.net.
About the Education Foundation of Sarasota County
For over 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County has supported students and teachers because education transforms lives. As a champion for life readiness, the Education Foundation provides personalized, comprehensive resources and relationships so that students can find their purpose and progress intentionally through their K – 12 schooling. Its mission is to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy. For more information visit www.edfoundationsrq.org.
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