Teachers from three Winter Springs campuses make Seminole schools' top 12 for 2028 Teacher of the Year

Three of the 12 educators still in the running for Seminole County Public Schools' 2028 Teacher of the Year work at schools in Winter Springs, according to a list the district released Monday.

They are Lauren Wilkins of Highlands Elementary, Nathan Polley of Keeth Elementary and Lydia Manfredi of Indian Trails Middle School. Keeth and Indian Trails sit next to each other on Tuskawilla Road.

Every semifinalist was first chosen as Teacher of the Year at their own school before moving on to the district round, SCPS said.

The rest of the field

The other nine semifinalists are:

Jaclyn Colangelo, Bentley Elementary
Daniel Barnard, Goldsboro Elementary
Heather Ambrosi, Hagerty High
Jodi Stella, Millennium Middle
Brittany Rogers, Oviedo High
Jennifer Stasko, Partin Elementary
Nicole Chavez, Pine Crest Elementary
NaTasha James, Sanford Middle
Ben Winegard, Seminole High

What comes next

In December the district plans to narrow the group to three finalists, one each representing elementary, middle and high schools. The overall winner will be named at the district's Teacher of the Year Celebration on Jan. 22, 2027, and will go on to represent Seminole County in the statewide Florida Teacher of the Year program.

Superintendent Serita D. Beamon said in the announcement that the 12 "exemplify the extraordinary talent and commitment found throughout our district."

Sources

scps.k12.fl.us

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