A Class of Their Own: Meet the 2025/2026 Teachers of the Year

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving city, and these educators represent the very best Fort Lauderdale has to offer. From fostering early literacy to guiding students through advanced technical certifications, these honorees are not just teaching, they are shaping our future.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is proud to recognize 27 outstanding Fort Lauderdale educators named 2025/2026 Teacher of the Year. These individuals, representing elementary, middle, and high schools across our city, have been selected for their dedication to student success and innovative teaching practices. We celebrate their unwavering commitment to the Fort Lauderdale community and congratulate them on this milestone in their careers.

Please join us in congratulating the following educators on this well-deserved achievement:

Elementary School

• Maria Kelly, Bayview
• Danielle Wesley, Bennett
• Amy Brower, Croissant Park
• Stephanie Key, Dillard
• Heidi Vargas Carpintero, Floranada
• Anthony Ciotti, Harbordale
• Veronica Saunders, North Fork
• Danella Patterson, North Side
• Nitsu Louis, Riverland
• Margaret Green-Clarke, Rock Island
• Jeffrey Allagood, Stephen Foster
• Tamika Best, Thurgood Marshall
• Arriale Henry, Walker
• Richard Sills, Westwood Heights
• Cara Tibble, Sunland Park Academy
• Lauren Caban, Virginia Shuman Young Montessori

Middle School:

• Grisel Berrios, New River
• Benita Small-Williams, Parkway
• Shanda Blake, Sunrise
• Luminita Neamtu, William Dandy

High School & Beyond:

• Chandra Powell, Dillard 6-12
• Marrielle Witting, Fort Lauderdale
• Bryanna Dunning, Stranahan
• Naomi Davis, Seagull Alternative
• Nicole Alexander, Sheridan Technical
• Calvin Golson, Whiddon-Rogers
• Ewa Dzialowski, Wingate Oaks Center

Their hard work ensures that our city remains a premier place to raise a family and build a future.

For more information on educational initiatives and community partnerships, please visit our Education Advisory Boardpage.

To view the reception, photos at: visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCJEH5.