The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) has just released the names of their finalists for the distinct honor of Teacher of the Year. The select five were each met with a heartening surprise, as the Investing in Kids! (INK!) "Prize Patrol" announced them as finalists in their respective educational arenas.
Representing a variety of disciplines, the esteemed nominees include Jessica MacMillan, an ESOL Teacher at First Coast Technical College; Jake Lankford, carrying the torch of history at Tocoi Creek High School; Madison Gowin, who manages the media at Switzerland Point Middle School; Jill Adams, pushing the frontiers of literacy at Creekside High School; and Jordan Mattheus, conducting the future of music at Palm Valley Academy. Surprised with their announcement by the Investing in Kids! (INK!) "Prize Patrol," the teachers reflect a spectrum of passion that is instilled in their classrooms.
The district plans to celebrate these educators, along with their colleagues, at an annual banquet scheduled for January 31, 2025, at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort. "This event not only celebrates the educators nominated to represent each school in the district but also recognizes all the outstanding professionals who educate, inspire, and invest in students every day," reads a statement from the official SJCSD announcement.
Following the gala event, the winner’s name will be forwarded to compete for the Florida Teacher of the Year. The district’s Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet, sponsored by Investing in Kids! (INK!), and the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort promises a night to remember for those who day by day, build the future in their classrooms.
