Liberty County teacher earns statewide recognition as finalist for 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award
Tallahassee, Florida – In a moment that has brought pride to both her community and her profession, Katy Jo Harrison, a first-grade teacher at Hosford Elementary and Junior High School, has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made on May 12, 2025, by the Florida Department of Education, placing Harrison in the spotlight among the state’s nearly 175,000 public school educators.
Selected from a group of 76 district teachers of the year, Harrison’s recognition is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to student achievement, innovative teaching practices, and leadership within the school community. The final selection of the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year will be announced in July.
“I am pleased to recognize Katy Jo Harrison as one of five finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Ms. Harrison is truly dedicated to her students and the teaching profession.”
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed at the district level either. Liberty County Schools Superintendent Kyle Peddie offered high praise for Harrison, emphasizing her results-driven approach to teaching.
“Because of Katy Jo’s tenacity and desire for student success, she is the epitome of what we want a teacher to be in Liberty County,” said Peddie. “Her classroom data continues to assure school and district leadership that she ‘is getting it done’ in the classroom daily, making her a model teacher for other teachers in the district.”
Harrison’s approach to teaching combines structure, creativity, and personalized support for each student. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Exceptional Student Education from Flagler College. Her professional credentials include endorsements in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and she has earned the Civics Seal of Excellence. She is currently pursuing a Literacy Coach endorsement, further highlighting her commitment to ongoing professional growth.
Beyond the classroom, Harrison’s contributions have helped shape the broader instructional framework at her school. She developed the first-grade writing rubric used for grading student work, a tool that helps promote consistency and clarity in writing assessments. She is also recognized as a highly effective teacher based on performance evaluations.
The Florida Teacher of the Year program looks beyond test scores to identify educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and community involvement. A statewide selection committee comprised of educators, administrators, parents, and business leaders evaluates nominees on their ability to communicate knowledge, inspire students, and contribute to their schools and communities.
The winner of the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year title will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year. In this role, they will represent the Florida Department of Education and travel throughout the state to share best practices and promote teacher leadership.
The Florida Teacher of the Year program is conducted in partnership with the Florida Education Foundation and is supported by a range of sponsors including Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan, Florida State University, the 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 on the Florida Teacher of the Year program or to follow updates, visit Florida Teachers Lead.
With the state watching and a community cheering her on, Katy Jo Harrison continues to inspire not only her students but also fellow educators across Florida.
