Local Educator, Jaime Suarez, Named Florida Teacher of the Year

On Thursday night, the Florida Department of Education held its 2025 Teacher of the Year gala in Orlando, Florida. As the Sun had reported in May, five educators had been named as finalists for the award and the results would be announced at the 58th annual event. At the ceremony, local Challenger K8 math teacher Jaime Suarez was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for the entire state of Florida. Suarez’s family, Hernando Education staff, the superintendent, and district leaders were all on hand to witness the announcement.

The Hernando-based educator discussed the honor in a press release from the school district on Friday. “I am deeply humbled to be named the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year,” said Suarez. “It is both an honor and a privilege to represent not only this remarkable profession but also the extraordinary teachers who make it so special. I am thrilled to represent Hernando County and the many phenomenal educators and programs that we have here.”

“Meeting the leadership from the Florida Department of Education has been an inspiring experience,” Suarez continued. “Their unwavering passion for advancing student success is truly motivating, and I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with them over the coming year to elevate teachers across the great state of Florida.”

Flgov.com noted that Governor Ron DeSantis presented a $20,000 check to each of the recipients: Samantha Nelson (Florida State University School), Jennifer Brown (Marion County), Dr. Clayton Nylund (Hillsborough County), Heather Stewart (Walton County), and Suarez. The website also stated that the winner (Suarez) would receive additional awards that would bring the total value to $50,000.

As the official recipient of this award, Suarez will have various duties and responsibilities in this role. Her primary task will be to visit schools and school districts across the state, serving as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year until next year’s recipient is named.

One of the goals of this program is to inspire educators around Florida, and Suarez is the perfect representative to do just that. In Friday’s release, Challenger’s Principal Rosemarie Maiorini and Superintendent Ray Pinder spoke glowingly of the local math teacher’s passion for education.

“Ms. Suarez radiates her love for learning to everyone around her – students, colleagues, and families. Her lessons build confidence in her students and spark their enthusiasm for math,” said Principal Maiorini. “She never wavers in her belief in their potential to learn, and her students respond by surpassing their limits! I am truly honored to stand alongside this remarkable soul.”

“We are thrilled for Jaime,” Superintendent Pinder said. “She exemplifies the powerful impact talented educators have on student success. We are proud to share her with the rest of the state as she visits communities throughout Florida. Jaime will be an incredible ambassador, not only for Hernando Schools, but for the profession she loves. We wish her the best of luck and we look forward to having her back soon.”

With Suarez’s fire for education, she should make the ideal candidate to represent her district to the rest of Florida.