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Marion County Teacher Named "Teacher of the Year" by State Education Association

Peggy Brookins, a math teacher at Forest High School in Marion County, is this year’s recipient of the Florida Education Association Award for Teaching Excellence.

The award is given to just one educator each year in the state. Brookins, who’s been with Marion County Public Schools for 28 years, is widely known for her role in establishing the EMIT (Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology) Program at Forest. She serves as the lead teacher and program director of EMIT, a district-wide magnet program for students interested in pursuing engineering, manufacturing, and technology as career choices.

Brookins, who received $5,000 for winning the award, now represents Florida in the national competition for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.