2024-25 Teacher of the Year Finalists

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The Teacher of the Year award recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who demonstrate a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The district’s Teacher of the Year represents Orange County at the state level to compete for Florida Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year Finalists!

Kyle Dennis
Sixth-Grade Math and Research, Orlando Gifted Academy
Kyle Dennis, a 16-year teaching veteran, is a beloved educator and student advocate. For the past two years, he has taught sixth-grade students at Orlando Gifted Academy, where he specializes in advanced mathematics and research electives. He also coaches the Science Olympiad and FIRST LEGO League teams. Dennis fosters a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. His impact extends beyond the classroom; one of his former students is currently establishing a Science Olympiad program at her high school. Last year, Dennis's exceptional teaching led to 83% of his Level 2 math students graduating sixth grade with a Level 3 or higher. Furthermore, 100% of his students who were already proficient in math either maintained or improved their achievement levels.

Cherese Fussner
Geometry, Winter Park High Ninth-Grade Center
A passionate teacher leader with 16 years of experience, Cherese Fussner inspires students to discover a love for math. Her innovative and engaging approach to teaching geometry has transformed the way students learn and experience the subject. Through creative lesson plans, hands-on activities, and a genuine enthusiasm for geometry, Fussner creates a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Her dedication and expertise have yielded remarkable results: last year, 86% of her students who began the year below grade level achieved proficiency on the B.E.S.T. Geometry End of Course Assessment. Fussner's significant contributions have played a key role in Winter Park High's impressive 97% pass rate on the Geometry EOC over the past two years.

Jacqueline Lawrence
Fifth-Grade Science, Rock Lake ES
A dedicated educator with 12 years of experience, Jacqueline Lawrence has a proven track record of empowering students below grade level to build confidence and achieve academic success. Through innovative teaching practices, including Kagan Mind Mapping and engaging hands-on labs (such as creating a working cumulonimbus cloud), she has transformed struggling learners into successful students, achieving a remarkable 67% pass rate on the state science assessment in a classroom that previously struggled with reading.
Lawrence's commitment to student growth extends beyond academics; she founded the Rock Lake Girls Running Club, a debate team, and a dance group, and even created the school's first yearbook. As a mentor and team leader, she actively supports her colleagues, going above and beyond to ensure their success. Her impact is perhaps best summarized by former student Kambria Chambers: "Ms. Lawrence believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."

Suvani Rodriguez
Intensive Reading, Lake Buena Vista High
As a Reading and ESOL teacher at Lake Buena Vista High School, Suvani Rodriguez has spent the last seven years tirelessly supporting seniors as they work to pass English Language Arts state assessments and meet graduation requirements. Her students enter her classroom below proficiency and at risk for not graduating; however, Rodriguez's dedication and impactful teaching methods have yielded impressive results. At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 85% of her students, many of whom had previously been in the bottom 25% in reading performance, achieved proficiency scores, opening the door to graduation. Furthermore, Rodriguez ensured that 95% of the seniors who were English-language learners successfully completed all of their graduation requirements. Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom; she also sponsors the school's Latinos in Action program, where she has been instrumental in increasing student involvement from less than 20 students to over 150.

Danielle Smith
First Grade, Dillard Street ES
A dedicated teacher leader with eight years of experience, Danielle Smith fosters a nurturing and empowering classroom environment where students feel cherished, respected, and self-confident. Committed to professional growth and student success, Smith pursued advanced training in reading and STEM, leading to remarkable results. Notably, her kindergarten students two years ago demonstrated an impressive increase in proficiency on the Star Early Literacy test, rising from 6% to 82% over the course of the school year. Continuing her commitment to these students, she looped with them to first grade last year, ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing support. A parent aptly described Smith's classroom as a warm and welcoming space where every child feels valued. Smith's passion for education extends beyond the core curriculum; she founded a Science Club to engage students in hands-on activities and foster critical thinking skills. Furthermore, her advocacy for environmental sustainability led to the acquisition of grants and the implementation of a school-wide composting program. As a mentor, Smith generously shares her expertise and innovative ideas with new teachers, contributing to a collaborative and supportive professional community.