Walton County Educator Named a 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist
May 6, 2024
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Walton County Educator Named a 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist
Tallahassee, Fla., May 6, 2024 –Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Heather Stewart, a teacher at Paxton School in Walton County, as one of the five 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists. The five 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.
“Congratulations to Heather Stewart on her selection as one of the five finalists for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year award,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Ms. Stewart goes above and beyond, dedicating her time and shaping the lives of her students and schoolwide community."
Heather Stewart, Walton County
Heather Stewart teaches Science and Aerospace to students in 8th-12th grades at Paxton School in Walton County. Stewart earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts from the Florida State University, her Master of Science degree in Corporate and Public Communication also from Florida State University, is a teacher ambassador for Harvard LabXchange, and holds licensure in remote piloting. Prior to teaching at Paxton School, Stewart was an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Gaetz Aerospace Institute. In 2015, she was awarded the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics National Educator Achievement Award and in 2016 was recognized by the Embry-Riddle’s Gaetz Institute for “Engaging Apps for Alternative Formative Assessment.”
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, Sunshine Health, 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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