Mark Harrison from Union County Named 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year
July 17, 2025
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Mark Harrison from Union County Named 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year
~ Mr. Harrison was selected from over 175,000 teachers statewide ~
Orlando, Fla., July 17, 2025 – Tonight, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas named Mark Harrison as the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year. Mr. Harrison was selected from among five Teacher of the Year finalists through a rigorous selection process. The Florida Teacher of the Year program celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.
“Congratulations to Mark Harrison on being named the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Mark sets the example of how a talented and dedicated teacher makes all the difference for his students. Not only is he dedicated to their academic success, but he also helps his students excel outside the classroom through the Civics and Debate team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and driving the school bus every morning. I look forward to working with him during the coming year.”.
“On behalf of Union County, I would like to congratulate Mark Harrison on being named Florida Teacher of the Year,” said Union County Schools Superintendent Michael Ripplinger. “We are all extremely proud of Mr. Harrison and thankful for the impact he has had on so many in Union County. I have no doubt he will be a tremendous ambassador for education in the state of Florida.”
Mark Harrison, Union County
Mark Harrison is an Economics and American Government teacher for grades 9-12 at Union County High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida and has earned the Civics Seal of Excellence. Mr. Harrison has also served as a Civics and Debate team sponsor and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor. He also serves as a school bus driver for the high school.
Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, as this year’s Teacher of the Year recipient Mr. 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 2025 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.
In partnership with the Florida Education Foundation, the Florida Teacher of the Year program is made possible by these generous sponsors: Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan; Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Sciences; Helios Education Foundation; Sunshine Health; The Florida Lottery; Florida Power & Light Company; HCA Florida Healthcare; Herff Jones; Publix Super Markets Charities; Comcast; JM Family Enterprises; and PNC Bank.
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
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