The Nassau County School District has officially recognized 17 educators from across the region as its 2025 Teachers of the Year. The announcement, made on Friday, celebrates teachers for their outstanding contributions to student learning, innovation in the classroom, and professional excellence.
These distinguished educators, representing elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the district, will now advance to the next stage of the competition to determine the overall Nassau County District Teacher of the Year.
Key Takeaways
- 17 educators were selected as the 2025 Teachers of the Year for their respective schools in Nassau County.
- The honorees represent a wide range of subjects, grade levels, and teaching experience, from 3 to 33 years.
- Each school's winner is now eligible to compete for the title of Nassau County District Teacher of the Year.
- The final winner will be announced at the upcoming Nassau Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Gala.
Honoring Excellence Across the District
The Nassau County School District has identified a diverse group of educators who have demonstrated a profound commitment to their students and profession. The selection criteria focused on excellence, professionalism, innovation, and collaboration within the educational environment.
The recognized teachers come from various academic disciplines, including core subjects like math and science, as well as specialized fields such as art, agriculture, and special education. This variety highlights the district's commitment to acknowledging excellence in all areas of learning.
Meet the 2025 Teachers of the Year
The 17 educators honored by the district bring a combined wealth of experience and expertise to their classrooms. The list reflects a mix of veteran teachers and those in earlier stages of their careers, all making a significant impact on their school communities.
Here is the complete list of the 2025 Nassau County Teachers of the Year:
Elementary School Honorees
- Jamie Ball, Emma Love Hardee Elementary — 5th Grade Math and Science (19 years)
- Aubree Brown, Yulee Elementary School — 3rd Grade, All Subjects (14 years)
- Allison Cannady, Southside Elementary School — Resource Exceptional Student Education, Grades K–2 (23 years)
- Carlyn Beckham, Yulee Primary School — Kindergarten (4 years)
- Amber Goetz, Callahan Elementary School — Kindergarten (14 years)
- Samantha Greene, Callahan Intermediate School — Art, Grades 3–5 (3 years)
- Brooke Sterner, Hilliard Elementary School — 3rd Grade Support Facilitator (17 years)
- Elizabeth Taylor, Wildlight Elementary School — 4th Grade, All Subjects (13 years)
- Katy Wilson, Bryceville Elementary School — Support Facilitator, Grades 3–5 (25 years)
Middle School Honorees
- Deetra Duncanson, Yulee Middle School — 8th Grade Civics (7 years)
- Suzy Opalinski, Fernandina Beach Middle School — 6th–8th Grade Access Points/Self-Contained Classroom (3 years)
- Kimberly Reynolds, Callahan Middle School — 7th Grade Accelerated Math and 8th Grade Pre-Algebra (22 years)
High School and Alternative School Honorees
- Lauren DeBolt, West Nassau High School — Intensive Reading (Grades 9–12), OJT Co-Coordinator (13 years)
- Casey Raulerson, Yulee High School — Agriculture, Grades 9–12 (4 years)
- Karen Russell, Hilliard Middle-Senior High School — 6th & 8th Grade Science (33 years)
- Teresa Reynolds, Nassau County Community School — Math, Personal Finance, and Music (Adults Alternative Setting) (30 years)
- Sarah Twardy, Fernandina Beach High School — 11th Grade U.S. History, Leadership (11–12) (19 years)
A Spectrum of Experience
The 2025 honorees showcase a remarkable range of professional experience. The group includes educators with as few as three years in the profession and seasoned veterans with over three decades of service. Karen Russell of Hilliard Middle-Senior High School leads the group with 33 years of teaching experience.
A Closer Look at the Honorees' Impact
The diversity among this year's winners is a testament to the varied ways educators contribute to student success. The list includes teachers in foundational roles, such as kindergarten instructors Carlyn Beckham and Amber Goetz, who shape the earliest learning experiences for students.
It also recognizes educators in specialized support roles. Allison Cannady, Brooke Sterner, and Katy Wilson work as facilitators for exceptional students and support services, ensuring that all learners receive the resources they need to thrive. Their work is critical for creating an inclusive academic environment.
The Importance of Specialized Roles
Educators in fields like art, agriculture, and special education play a vital role in providing a well-rounded education. Samantha Greene (Art) and Casey Raulerson (Agriculture) offer students creative and practical skills that extend beyond traditional academics, preparing them for diverse career paths and fostering personal growth.
At the secondary level, the honorees are preparing students for life after graduation. Deetra Duncanson teaches 8th-grade civics, a cornerstone of civic education, while Sarah Twardy at Fernandina Beach High School teaches U.S. History and a leadership class for upperclassmen. Teresa Reynolds serves adult learners at the Nassau County Community School, demonstrating that the commitment to education extends to every stage of life.
The Road to District Teacher of the Year
With their selection at the school level, these 17 educators have entered the next phase of the recognition process. They will now be considered for the prestigious title of Nassau County District Teacher of the Year.
This next step typically involves a rigorous application and interview process, where candidates elaborate on their teaching philosophies, classroom strategies, and professional accomplishments. A selection committee will review the candidates to determine who will represent the entire district.
The Nassau County School District extended its congratulations to each of the honored educators for their unwavering dedication to fostering curiosity, achievement, and a passion for lifelong learning in every student they serve.
The culmination of this process will be the Nassau Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Gala. This event is a major celebration for the district, bringing together educators, administrators, and community members to honor the profound impact of teachers. It is at this gala, scheduled to take place later in the school year, that the district-wide winner will be officially announced.
The individual selected as the District Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Nassau County in the state-level competition, bringing their expertise and passion to a wider stage.