Nicole Leon, a sixth-grade literature teacher at True North Classical Academy, was announced as one of five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year by the Florida Department of Education on May 13. The finalists were selected from among 74 district teachers of the year, and the winner will be announced in July.
The recognition highlights Leon’s commitment to both academic excellence and character development among her students. The Teacher of the Year program aims to honor educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching ability, professional learning, and service to their schools and communities.
“Nicole Leon challenges students academically while also helping shape their character, ensuring they grow as both thinkers and individuals,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “The preparation she provides is exactly the kind of preparation students need to succeed. Congratulations on being named a state teacher of the year finalist.”
Michael Bileca, Founder and President of True North Classical Academy, said: “Year after year, Nicole’s students demonstrate strong learning gains with a majority of her students scoring at an advanced level 4 or 5. But what makes her truly extraordinary cannot be captured fully in data. In Nicole’s classroom, literature is not merely studied, it is encountered. She teaches students how to engage in real discussion: to disagree with respect, to support their ideas with evidence and to pursue truth together rather than simply ‘win’ an argument. I can think of no educator more deserving of this recognition than Nicole Leon.”
Leon serves as grade-level chair, lead teacher and instructional coach at True North Classical Academy—a charter school that is part of the Florida Charter School Alliance—where she leads academic initiatives beyond her classroom responsibilities.
According to the official website, the Florida Department of Education operates from its headquarters in Tallahassee and partners with parents, educators, and communities across Florida to oversee education from early childhood through higher learning; it supports public education by administering programs for K-12 schools as well as higher education and career development opportunities.
The selection process for state finalists involves a committee representing teachers, principals, parents and business leaders who review applications based on teaching ability and community service. The eventual winner will serve as Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education throughout Florida during their term.
