Volusia County Schools announce nominees for 2025 Teacher of the Year

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a display of recognition and appreciation for exceptional educators, the Volusia County school district proudly announces the selection of 70 exemplary teachers from each school in the district to vie for the prestigious title of Volusia County Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year.

The competition to determine the 2025 Teacher of the Year is fierce, as the nominees represent diverse ranges of expertise and commitment to education. The ultimate winner will be selected during an esteemed banquet scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024, to hold the district's top teaching honor and advance to contend for the state Teacher of the Year title.

Vonda Morris holds the coveted accolade of Volusia County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and is an accomplished instructor specializing in Probability and Statistics/AP Statistics at Spruce Creek High. Morris has set a high standard, showcasing excellence in teaching and dedication to her students.

Dr. Carmen Balgobin, the Superintendent of Volusia County Schools, expressed her congratulations and appreciation for all the nominees, commending their exceptional contributions, dedication, and innovative approaches that shape the future of countless students.

“Congratulations to all of our Teacher of the Year nominees for the outstanding work you do every day to educate our students and prepare them for the future,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. “This is an outstanding achievement in your careers, and we are so proud of the inspiration, creativity, and dedication you bring to the classroom.”

The nominees for the 2025 Teacher of the Year are:

• Atlantic High – Rick Bowrosen
• Beachside Elementary – Melissa Hoffman-Heller
• Blue Lake Elementary – Allison Waters
• Campbell Middle – Jasmine M. Taylor
• Champion Elementary – Emily Fagerstrom
• Chisholm Elementary – Ashley Daughtry
• Citrus Grove Elementary – Mary Dunn
• Coronado Beach Elementary – Melanie Anne Wendt
• Creekside Middle – Tracy L. Sepanic
• Cypress Creek Elementary – Linda McLean
• DeBary Elementary – LeeAnne Hockenberry
• DeLand High – Amy Dempsey
• DeLand Middle – Terri Schmidt
• Deltona High – Kelley Daly
• Deltona Lakes Elementary – Jamie Menard
• Deltona Middle – Dwayne J. Chatman
• Discovery Elementary – Natasha Guidry
• Edgewater Public – Robin Johnson
• Enterprise Elementary – Bridget Packey
• Forest Lake Elementary – John Zillman
• Freedom Elementary – Elissa Sabatini
• Friendship Elementary – Amanda Lee
• Galaxy Middle – Lisbeth Velez
• George Marks Elementary – Gina Marie Walker
• Heritage Middle – Evelyn Robinson
• Highbanks Learning Center – Carol Langbecker
• Hinson Middle – Elizabeth Bing
• Holly Hill School – Adrienne L. Donald
• Horizon Elementary – Jeanne Ramsey
• Indian River Elementary – Misty Maman
• Longstreet Elementary – Brittany Shone
• Mainland High – Stephen Gold
• Manatee Cove Elementary – Michele Lee Benson
• McInnis Elementary – Jennifer Lambus
• New Smyrna Beach High – Jeremy Brock
• New Smyrna Beach Middle – Jonathan Brodie
• Orange City Elementary – Fran Kennedy
• Ormond Beach Elementary – Sandra Bordis
• Ormond Beach Middle – Caryn King
• Osteen Elementary – Naomi Schneider
• Palm Terrace Elementary – CaRhonda A. Jones
• Pathways Elementary – Carolyn Pascoe
• Pierson Elementary – Kevin Treur
• Pine Ridge High – Jennifer Lupica
• Pine Trail Elementary – James Vollinger
• Port Orange Elementary – Jamie Turner
• Pride Elementary – Amanda Dunkins
• Read-Pattillo Elementary – Tarell Butler
• River Springs Middle School – Jacquelynn Collins
• Riverview Learning Center – Heidi Marlow Gors
• Seabreeze High – Tanner K. Norvell
• Silver Sands Middle – Cindy White Circelli
• South Daytona Elementary – Benjamin Johnson
• Southwestern Middle – Heidi Campbell
• Spirit Elementary – Darlene Tufariello
• Spruce Creek Elementary – Shirley A. Anderson
• Spruce Creek High – Bethany McClelland
• Starke Elementary – Dashia R. Haws
• Sugar Mill Elementary – Heather A. Turner
• Sunrise Elementary – Tara McCarthy-Ward
• Sweetwater Elementary – Donna M. Steinmann
• Taylor Middle High – Whitney Sylvia
• Timbercrest Elementary – Amanda Marie Collier
• Tomoka Elementary – Kristin Robinson
• Turie T. Small Elementary – Brandon Wingfield
• University High – Dawn L. Drysdale
• Volusia Online Learning – Victoria Hamlin
• Volusia Pines Elementary – Sarah Asma
• Westside Elementary – Ashlee McCowen
• Woodward Avenue Elementary – Ashley Cowell