Jaime Suarez Named Florida’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
Tallahassee, Fla., July 25, 2024 – Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced Jaime Suarez as the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. Suarez, a mathematics teacher at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics in Hernando County, was selected from five finalists through a rigorous selection process. The Florida Teacher of the Year program aims to celebrate and elevate the education profession by recognizing outstanding educators in the state.
“Congratulations to Jaime Suarez on being named Florida’s 2025 Teacher of the Year,” said Commissioner Diaz. “It is because of inspirational and dedicated educators like Jaime that Florida’s students continue to exceed expectations and raise the bar for education. I look forward to seeing the impact that she will make on educators across the state over the next year.”
Suarez teaches mathematics to students in grades 6-8 at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University. Suarez is recognized as a High Impact teacher, serves as grade level team lead and mentor, coordinates Math Field Day, and is part of the district’s science textbook selection committee.
Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Suarez will receive a $50,000 award from the state of Florida as this year’s Teacher of the Year recipient. She will also serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year, advocating for students and representing Florida’s teaching community. Additionally, she will receive a tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree from 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 her choice.
The five Teacher of the Year finalists will each receive a $20,000 bonus. All finalists have demonstrated deep passion for teaching and made significant impacts in their classrooms and school communities.
In addition to announcing Teacher of the Year, several special awards were presented:
Ron Nieto “Digital Educator” Award
Recipient: Lindsey Laurino, St. Lucie County
Outstanding Teacher Leader Award
Recipient: Cassi McGee, Escambia County
Mary J. Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award
Recipient: Gerard Madrinan, Pinellas County
Liz Moya “Life Skills and Citizenship” Award
Recipient: Andrea Polanco, Collier County
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' "Invested in Excellence" Award
Recipient: Emily Fagerstrom, Volusia County
These awards honor elite educators who contribute significantly to making Florida's education system exceptional.
The Florida Teacher of the Year program is supported by sponsors including: Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan; Florida State University College of Education; Helios Education Foundation; Sunshine Health; Jenkins Automotive Group; The Florida Lottery; Florida Power & Light; HCA Florida Healthcare; Herff Jones; Publix Charities; JM Family Enterprises; Comcast; and PNC Bank.
For more information about the program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.