Walton County Educator Named a 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Finalist
May 6, 2026
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Walton County Educator Named a 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Finalist
Jeri Michie, Vice-Chairperson of Walton County School Board, Russel Hughes, Superintendent, Bree O’Donnell, TOY Finalist, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, Senior Chancellor Paul Burns, Jason Catalano, Chairperson of Walton County Board
Bree O’Donnell, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Dune Lakes Elementary School in Walton County, with her students.
Tallahassee, Fla., May 6, 2026 – Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Bree O’Donnell, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Dune Lakes Elementary School in Walton County, as one of five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year. The state finalists were chosen from 74 district teachers of the year. The 2027 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year will be announced in July.
“Great educators not only shape the success of their own students, but also lead and mentor others, strengthening the entire profession,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Bree O’Donnell embodies these qualities as a teacher leader, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to student achievement and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. She is exceptionally deserving of the recognition.”
“Ms. O’Donnell is an outstanding educator who motivates students to succeed, uplifts her colleagues, and plays a vital role in the school community,” said Walton County School District Superintendent Russell Hughes. “Her dedication to student learning and deep commitment to making a positive impact truly distinguish her as an educator worthy of recognition.”
About Bree O’Donnell
Bree O’Donnell is a dedicated fourth-grade math and science teacher at Dune Lakes Elementary School in Walton County. She has been recognized not only for her excellence in the classroom but also for her strong leadership within her school and district. Ms. O’Donnell recently assisted in developing the district-wide fourth-grade pacing guide for science and mathematics. Ms. O’Donnell also serves as the leader of her professional learning community (PLC), where she fosters collaboration, data-driven discussions and continuous improvement among her peers. Under her guidance, her PLC has been recognized as a model for the entire district. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Henderson State University.
The 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year state finalists were chosen from more than 170,000 public school teachers. After each school district or eligible charter school consortia selects its teacher of the year, a committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community reviews each 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.
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
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