Florida State University School Educator Named a 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist
May 7, 2024
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Florida State University School Educator Named a 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist
Tallahassee, Fla., May 7, 2024 –Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Samantha (Sam) Nelson, a teacher at the Florida State University School, as one of the five 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists. The state finalists were chosen from 74 district teachers of the year. The 2025 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a gala in Orlando on July 25, 2024.
“I am pleased to recognize Samantha Nelson as one of the five finalists for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year award,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Ms. Nelson embodies excellence through her hard work and dedication to her school and overall community.”
In photo (l-r): Carlos Villa; Suzanne Wilkinson; FDOE Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Paul Burns; Sam Nelson; FSUS Executive Director Dr. Stacy Chambers; Shannon Smith with Florida Prepaid; FDOE Deputy chancellor for Educator Quality Dr. Sunny Chancy; State Board of Education member Monesia Brown.
Samantha (Sam) Nelson, Florida State University
Samantha Nelson is a 5th grade science teacher at Florida State University School and is known for her dedicated spirit to her students and school community. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary Education from The Florida State University and a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction, also from Florida State University. She is ESOL certified, Reading Endorsed and is in progress of obtaining a Gifted Endorsement. Not only does Nelson serve as a Teacher Induction Program Mentor but she also is the Grade Level Team Leader, the Elementary Tech and PTSA Teacher Liaison for her school as well.
The 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists were chosen from more than 185,000 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 development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service. The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.
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 Plans, Florida State University College of Education, Helios Education Foundation, HCA Healthcare, The Florida Lottery, Florida Power & Light Company, Herff Jones, Publix Super Markets Charities and PNC Bank.
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
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