excellence in education awards

The School District is proud to announce the four finalists for Manatee County Educator of the Year! 

 

This week, representatives from Manatee Education Foundation (MEF), the School Board and School District Leadership surprised four exceptionally talented educator finalists for the 2025 Excellence in Education Awards.

 

Excellence in Education

 

The finalists will be honored, and the “Educator of the Year” will be announced during the Excellence in Education Awards at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Manatee Technical College.

 

• Kathleen Bayliss, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary

 

Excellence in Education

 

• Linda Chamberlain, Medical Assisting Instructor at Manatee Technical College-East Campus

 

Excellence in Education

 

• Stacy Freeman, Third Grade Teacher at Gilbert W McNeal Elementary

 

Excellence in Education

 

• Susan Nova, Fourth Grade Teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary

 

Excellence in Education

 

The educator representative for Manatee County will advance to the Florida Teacher of the Year program.

The School District of Manatee County promotes the Excellence in Education Awards in partnership with the Manatee Education Foundation.

The awards ceremony is entirely possible through the funding and support of corporate and community partners.

Senior Sponsors: Gilbane, NDC Construction Company, Suncoast Credit Union, and Willis Smith Construction.