2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year Semifinalists Announced

The 15 semifinalists for the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year have been selected. The selection committee made up of a diverse cross-section of the community, selected the semifinalists from nearly 180 school-level Teachers of the Year. The 15 will be narrowed down to five semifinalists in December and the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the EDDY Awards on Jan. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The semifinalists are:

Kristen Edwards

Atlantic Beach Elementary Schools

Kristin Edwards brings 18 years of experience and unwavering dedication to her role at Atlantic Beach Elementary, the school that inspired her journey. As a teacher leader, she has actively shaped her school’s culture through mentoring, professional development, and program leadership. Through the DCPS Teacher Leader Academy, she has facilitated impactful workshops on communication and is eager to continue empowering her colleagues with new insights.

Specializing in 3rd-grade education for 15 years, she fosters academic and personal growth in her students. Last year, 78% of her class achieved proficiency on the FAST assessment, with others making significant progress. By tailoring lessons, promoting collaboration, and using data to guide instruction, she ensures success for all learners, particularly those starting below grade level. Her influence extends beyond the classroom as a mentor, technology support leader, and co-director of an extended day program serving 150 students.

Her inspiration stems from the exceptional educators of her own childhood, whose nurturing approach instilled a lifelong passion for teaching. She aspires to be an educator who delves deeper into subjects, engaging and enlightening students, and inspiring them to explore topics more thoroughly.

Nicole Frick

Atlantic Coast High School

Ms. Frick, an Honors Biology teacher at Atlantic Coast High School, has been shaping student success for eight years. As Science Department Coordinator and Biology Team Lead for over five years, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, she sponsors the National Honor Society and is a dedicated supporter of the Stingrays, often seen cheering at football games. 

Her journey into teaching began as an Athletic Trainer at Atlantic Coast, where she discovered her ability to inspire confidence in students. This passion transitioned seamlessly into the classroom, where her greatest achievement is witnessing students grow in self-assurance and ability. 

Ms. Frick’s impact is evident in her students’ performance. At the start of the 2023-2024 school year, only 45% passed the district’s first assessment. By year-end, 95% passed the state exam, a testament to her consistent success. Her leadership has also contributed to Atlantic Coast achieving the highest biology pass rate among Duval County’s comprehensive high schools. 

She extends her influence by mentoring future educators at the University of North Florida, sharing her expertise to inspire the next generation of teachers. Through dedication and innovation, Ms. Frick continues to transform education and empower her students to succeed.

Henry Coleman

Biscayne Elementary School

Mr. Coleman, a 5th grade math teacher at Biscayne Leadership Academy Elementary, is revolutionizing education with innovative, student-centered approaches. As both teacher and department leader, he employs data-driven strategies to close learning gaps, tailoring lessons based on daily performance assessments. His dedication has yielded impressive outcomes, with student math proficiency rising from 14% in September 2023 to 81% by May 2024 on the statewide assessment. Over four years, he has maintained proficiency rates above 75%.

Mr. Coleman’s success extends beyond academics. He builds strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of respect, self-awareness, and motivation that empowers them to take ownership of their learning. As the fifth-grade level chair, he also strengthens community bonds by organizing events like graduation celebrations and field trips.

Inspired by his own childhood, Mr. Coleman strives to be the teacher students look forward to seeing, bringing energy and compassion to the classroom. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and inspired to overcome challenges, turning weaknesses into strengths. His holistic approach ensures students grow both academically and personally, making a lasting impact on their educational journey.me as an educator today, ensuring that every student feels valued, inspired, and ready to learn.”

Vincent Taylor

Cedar Hills Elementary School

Vincent Taylor is a 27-year veteran teacher who shares his love of teaching with the world.

Mr. Taylor’s teaching journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to growth. As a math interventionist and coach, he supports some of the most talented teachers in the district, encouraging them to share their expertise and inspiring others to excel. Despite his role as a leader, Mr. Taylor embraces the opportunity to learn from every classroom he enters, embodying the belief that great leaders are lifelong students. 

Years ago, he turned his passion for engagement into action by writing a professional development book, “If Instruction Isn’t Engaging, I Quit.” The book’s success catapulted him onto a national stage, where he has presented to over 50,000 educators, helping transform classrooms across the country. Principals regularly credit his work with revitalizing teaching practices, a testament to his dedication to educational excellence. 

His impact extends to children worldwide through his beloved *Cornbread* book series, featuring a highly relatable fourth-grader and positive character-building themes. These books, celebrated by children from the U.S. to Tanzania, bring learning to life. His work has even reached local events like Mayor Donna Deegan’s River City Readers, where Vincent shared his message as the keynote speaker. 

Vincent Taylor is more than a teacher—he is a leader, innovator, and global advocate for student engagement and achievement.

Tiffany Murray

Chaffee Trail Middle School

Tiffany Murray’s teaching career is defined by her dedication to leadership, innovation, and fostering a positive learning environment. As the Science Department Chair at Chaffee Trail Middle School, she supports her colleagues by mentoring new teachers and helping them build effective classroom management strategies. Her efforts empower educators to create engaging, disruption-free environments where students thrive. 

Beyond her role in the classroom, Ms. Murray contributes to her school community as an assistant track coach and active member of the Parent-Teacher Association at Chaffee Trail Elementary. She emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, encouraging both students and peers to approach challenges with solution-oriented thinking. 

Inspired by her 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Murray strives to make a lasting impact on her students, just as her teacher once did for her. She incorporates active, collaborative, and inquiry-based learning methods to create dynamic, engaging lessons. Her innovative approach has led to remarkable student progress, with improved District Monitoring Assessment scores and performance that exceeds district and school averages on the Florida Science Standards Assessment. 

Ms. Murray’s commitment ensures her students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with skills to succeed in life.

Michael Steinhardt

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Mr. Steinhardt, a 10th-grade World History Honors and AP World History teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, is a passionate educator dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community engagement. As co-department chair of Social Studies, Senior Class Advisor, and sponsor of student organizations like Black Art, Interact Club, Young Democrats, and Great Decisions, he inspires students to embrace leadership and contribute meaningfully to their community. His work with Black Art earned him the inaugural Cassandra Knox Service Award for promoting creativity and inclusivity. 

In addition to teaching, Mr. Steinhardt mentors new educators, providing feedback and best practices, and participates in school governance through the Shared Decision-Making Committee. He also collaborates with the Duval County Public Schools African American History Task Force and the Summer Writing Institute, encouraging students to explore local Black history. 

His innovative teaching methods, including creative projects like mock trials, make history engaging and relevant. In 2023-2024, 100% of his World History Honors students passed the District End of Course exam, with over half achieving “A” scores, far surpassing district averages. Former students frequently credit his class as a pivotal influence on their academic and personal growth, reflecting his commitment to preparing them for success beyond the classroom has impacted their future studies and career choices.

Holly Meyerowich

Duncan Fletcher Middle School

Holly Meyerowich, a 6th Grade Language Arts teacher at Duncan Fletcher Middle School, exemplifies dedication and innovation in education. After stepping away from teaching in 2017, she returned in 2022 with renewed passion and a mission to inspire meaningful change for her students and colleagues. Her leadership shines through her creation of the Professional Development Teacher-Led Team, where she designs and facilitates transformative sessions like “Bilingual Besties” and “Did I Miss Anything: Catching Up Absent Students.” These initiatives have enhanced staff engagement and teaching practices, earning widespread recognition. 

Ms. Meyerowich’s influence extends beyond professional development. She coaches the girls’ track team, co-founded running clubs, organized the annual spelling bee, and works with the PBIS team to foster a positive school culture. Her innovative programs, such as the Student Mentor program and an in-school field trip with the Jacksonville Public Library, further enrich the school community. 

Her dedication goes beyond academics, creating a nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported. Ms. Meyerowich’s joy and commitment inspire both students and staff, demonstrating the profound impact of a teacher invested in education and personal growth. She continues to elevate learning, building a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative educational experience. 

Aubrey Albaracin

Greenland Pines Elementary School

Aubrey Albaracin is a third and fourth-grade teacher at Greenland Pines Elementary School.

Her journey into education is one of resilience and a deep commitment to inclusivity and student success. Originally a nursing student, she discovered her passion for teaching during a pediatric rotation, where she thrived while working with children. Inspired by her first-grade teacher, who helped her overcome bullying and find her confidence, Ms. Albaracin left nursing school to pursue her true calling—education.

Since 2013, Ms. Albaracin has excelled as a special education teacher, focusing on students with moderate to high support needs. She addresses both academic and social challenges, helping students master IEP goals and develop critical behavioral skills. Through tailored interventions and tools like social stories and collaborative strategies, her students show measurable progress—80% of targeted students increased their social/behavioral skills, enabling greater academic success.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Albaracin serves as a mentor to colleagues and international teachers, sharing best practices and offering support. Her district-wide involvement includes leading CHAMPs panels and innovating strategies to improve classroom dynamics. She advocates for inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of belonging for all students and teachers, especially those navigating cultural or learning barriers.

She is a firm believer that “anyone can learn and anyone can be taught.”

Luke Jean

KIPP Bold City High School

Mr. Jean’s teaching journey is fueled by passion, dedication, and a commitment to student empowerment through social studies education. As a U.S. History teacher and social studies content lead at KIPP Bold City High School, he works to instill a love of learning in his students while helping them make meaningful connections between history and their everyday lives. His impact resonates beyond the classroom, with colleagues frequently hearing students excitedly link what they’ve learned in his lessons to other subjects. His belief that every student should leave his classroom better than when they entered is evident in his teaching approach and his leadership role in refining instructional practices across his school.

The strongest evidence of Mr. Jean’s success is both measurable and deeply personal. His students achieved a 30%+ improvement in U.S. History assessments last year, and he consistently earns "highly effective" ratings during observations. Yet, what he values most is the growth he witnesses in his students—their excitement for learning history and their heartfelt cheers when his efforts were celebrated at a school pep rally.

Inspired by two influential teachers and James Loewen’s “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” Mr. Jean sees teaching as a form of social justice and student empowerment. His message to fellow educators is clear: embrace the joy and transformative power of teaching, even amidst challenges, as the honor of guiding students toward greatness outweighs any obstacles.

Theresa Moreau LaVilla School of the Arts

LaVilla School of the Arts teacher Theresa Moreau has dedicated over 15 years to fostering musical excellence and building a vibrant community of learners and leaders in the classroom and beyond. As a vocal music teacher, she helps students grow from basic pitch-matching to fluently reading and performing music at middle and high school levels. Her students consistently achieve "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings in sight-reading and performance assessments held by the Florida Vocal Association, showcasing remarkable growth in both literacy and artistry.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Moreau has served as a mentor, guiding new educators and fostering future leaders in music education. From 2020 to 2022, she chaired the Florida Vocal Association District 4, overseeing music education across 12 counties, organizing key events, and helping schools navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also contributed to curriculum development and rebranding efforts at LaVilla School of the Arts, enhancing the school’s mission and community impact.

Her inspiration stems from a lifelong love of helping others, beginning with childhood games of “school” and continuing through leadership roles in high school and college. Sharing a passion for music and empowering young learners has become her calling, inspiring students to achieve what once seemed impossible and instilling confidence and excellence through music.

Kimberly Niebauer

Loretto Elementary School

Kimberly Niebauer is a trailblazer in integrating technology and innovative teaching methods to transform student learning. As a Microsoft Certified Coach, Innovative Educator Expert, and Minecraft Education Ambassador, she uses tools like Teams, OneNote, and Minecraft Education to create engaging, collaborative classrooms. Her work has been showcased at international conferences and in Microsoft promotional campaigns, highlighting her success with tools like Reading Coach to improve student literacy.

A champion of STEM and project-based learning, Ms. Niebauer leads initiatives such as a Minecraft Student Ambassador Club with nearly 150 members, empowering students to learn coding, history, and leadership through game-based projects. She also created a STEM Lending Library, giving teachers access to robotics and coding tools, and sponsors a thriving *Girls Who Code* club to inspire young girls in technology.

Beyond the classroom, she trains educators worldwide as the Global Minecraft Student Ambassador Club Program Lead and mentors Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts. Passionate about social-emotional learning, she emphasizes strategies for emotional regulation and a growth mindset, creating a nurturing environment for students.

Ms. Niebauer’s unique blend of technology, creativity, and care has earned widespread acclaim, benefiting students, colleagues, and communities alike while driving a culture of innovation and collaboration in education.

Rhosalee Mangalindan-Stewart

Oceanway Middle School

Rhosalee Mangalindan-Stewart, an 8th-grade algebra teacher at Oceanway Middle School, is a dedicated educator whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. Recognized for her innovative approach, she has achieved remarkable success in advancing student learning, with 84% of her students achieving proficiency in math—up from just 20% earlier in the year—by using data-driven instruction, gamification, and personalized teaching strategies. Her classroom fosters respect, collaboration, and student empowerment, instilling confidence and a love for learning.

Outside the classroom, she spearheads schoolwide STEAM initiatives, hosts STEM career fairs, and mentors both students and educators. As the founder of a Filipino teachers' group, she supports colleagues with cultural adjustment and professional development, reinforcing the idea that happy teachers create thriving classrooms.

Her journey into education was inspired by teachers who nurtured her potential, encouraged participation in math competitions, and unlocked hidden talents. Today, she aims to replicate that impact, creating a safe and respectful environment where every student feels valued and capable. By focusing on academic excellence and personal growth, she’s transformed shy and struggling students into confident learners with ambitious goals for the future. Her dedication exemplifies the belief that education can empower every student to learn, grow, and lead.

Lauren Freeman

Rutledge H. Pearson

This passionate second-grade teacher is a beacon of hope and leadership at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School. Rooted in her faith and inspired by her mother’s dedication as an educator, Lauren Freeman has committed her career to uplifting students who face the toughest challenges. As the House Leader for Reveur, the school’s house system modeled after the Ron Clark Academy, she energizes Pre-K through fifth-grade students through pep rallies and mentorship, fostering teamwork and responsibility. She’s also a driving force behind her school’s PBIS system, using trauma-informed practices to help struggling students reset and thrive academically and emotionally.

Her classroom is a model for excellence, often showcased for instructional rounds by district leaders. She has doubled student proficiency rates and achieved a "Highly Effective" rating while using innovative teaching techniques. But her success goes beyond numbers. She transforms lives by meeting students' emotional needs, like helping a struggling boy grow two grade levels in reading or restoring confidence in a girl who faced financial hardship.

Ms. Freeman’s mission extends to supporting colleagues with resources, mentoring, and inspiration. She embodies the belief that every student, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity, purpose, and a fighting chance. With unwavering faith, love, and determination, she transforms classrooms, communities, and futures.

Stephanie Weathington

San Jose Elementary School

San Jose Elementary (SJE) stands as a vibrant hub of learning, where dedicated educators shape the future. One standout teacher has embraced roles as a mentor, leader, and innovator throughout her time at SJE. Among Stephanie Weathington’s proudest accomplishments is co-founding “Burst That Bubble,” a teacher-led vertical learning community addressing literacy gaps. Starting with four educators in 2021, the initiative has grown to include 12 team members, bridging the gap between learning to read and reading to learn. Through strategies such as self-reflection journals and shared vocabulary, the program has transformed literacy education at SJE, raising school-wide proficiency rates and inspiring educators at national conferences.

With experience teaching both kindergarten and third grade, she has demonstrated remarkable success in fostering student growth. By employing data-driven instruction and personalized strategies, she has helped multilingual learners thrive, with 96% of her students showing measurable progress on district assessments. Beyond academics, she has built lasting relationships, nurturing confidence and a love for learning in students from diverse backgrounds.

Her passion for teaching began in childhood and was solidified through international experiences, which ignited her commitment to education. At SJE, she has found her calling: fostering student growth, mentoring future educators, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure every child can succeed.

Damaris Lopez-Maldonado

West Riverside Elementary School

Damaris Lopez-Maldonado exemplifies the power of education by fostering growth in students, colleagues, and the broader school community. As a 3rd-grade educator in a Dual Language program, she has transformed student outcomes through innovative teaching strategies and data-driven interventions. Starting with only 16% proficiency on the FAST assessment, her students achieved a remarkable 51% proficiency by year-end. She customizes instruction for English Language Learners and integrates tools like Benchmark Advance and Renaissance Star Reading to track and support progress. She also provides tailored support for every student.

Beyond the classroom, her leadership shines as the sponsor of activities like the NASA Club and Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, creating opportunities for students to develop talents and build a sense of belonging. Ms. Maldonado also mentors new teachers, equipping them with tools and guidance to succeed, which strengthens the teaching community.

Inspired by her own experiences as an ESOL learner and her passion for multicultural education, Ms. Maldonado embraces a commitment to lifelong learning. By attending workshops and sharing knowledge, she elevates professional development among colleagues. Her dedication to bilingualism, cultural inclusivity, and student achievement underscores her belief in the transformative power of education.