Columbia County Educator Named a 2026 Teacher of the Year Finalist
May 14, 2025
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Columbia County Educator Named a 2026 Teacher of the Year Finalist
Tallahassee, Fla., May 14, 2025 – Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Shelly Teel, a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School in Columbia County as one of five finalists for 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year. The state finalists were chosen from 76 district teachers of the year. The 2026 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in July.
“Shelly Teel is an exemplary educator, and I am pleased to recognize her as a 2026 Teacher of the Year finalist,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “She represents the qualities of an outstanding teacher who brings out the best in her students.”
“Mrs. Teel possesses a remarkable ability to make learning both fun and engaging,” said Columbia County School Superintendent Keith Couey. “She is a truly exceptional educator whose dedication, passion and ability to connect with students sets her apart.”
About Shelly Teel
Shelly Teel is a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School in Columbia County. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from St. Leo University, holds certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages and is reading endorsed. She provides after-school tutoring to students in her class and has been rated highly effective since 2013. She is also active in her church, serving as a Life Group Leader.
The 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year state finalists were chosen from nearly 175,000 public school teachers. After each school district selects its teacher of the year, a committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community reviews each district application on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional learning and outstanding school and community service. The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and will represent the Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.
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 Healthcare; Herff Jones; Publix Super Markets Charities; PNC Bank; and JM Family Enterprises.
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
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