Three Sarasota County educators received a surprise visit Friday morning when the annual Teacher Tribute Bus Tour rolled up to their schools with big news—they’re this year’s finalists for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
This year’s finalists are:
Becky Hoffman, Pine View School, 5th grade teacher
Holly Pisaturo, McIntosh Middle School, Art teacher
Andy Harshman, Sarasota High School, AP Capstone Research, AICE Global Perspectives A Level, and Experimental Science Honors (MaST Research Program Director)
The celebratory bus tour, organized by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, included district administrators, past Teachers of the Year, sponsors, school board members, and Education Foundation patrons and staff. The group traveled on a bus donated by All Around Charters & Tours, making three stops to surprise the honorees with flowers, cheers, and applause from students, colleagues, and family members.
Jennifer Vigne, President and CEO of the Education Foundation, said the finalist announcements are a highlight of the year. “These surprise visits remind us of the extraordinary difference teachers make,” she said. “Every day, they show up with creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in their students’ potential. Today is our chance to show them how much they mean to all of us.”
Superintendent Terry Connor said the tour offers a meaningful way to celebrate excellence in education. “Our Teachers of the Year devote tremendous time and energy to helping students thrive,” he said. “Recognizing them within their school communities makes the moment even more special. They are true inspirations, both to their colleagues and to their students alike.”
The tour builds excitement for the Ignite Education: Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, to be held Thursday, December 11, at The Ora. The event will honor 47 school-based Teachers of the Year, name the district’s overall Teacher of the Year, and recognize one educator as Innovation Teacher of the Year, a distinction created by the Education Foundation to spotlight creative approaches to teaching.
The district’s Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Sarasota County Schools in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program throughout 2026.
The celebration is made possible through community support, including Presenting Sponsor Sunset Automotive Group and Gold Sponsor Suncoast Credit Union. For event information and tickets, visit edfoundationsrq.org/event/teacher-of-the-year-celebration-2026.
About the Teacher of the Year Program
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools celebrates educators through the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration. Each district school nominates its honoree, and of those teachers, an elementary, a middle school, and a high school Teacher of the Year are selected. From these three exceptional educators, one is chosen for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
At the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year is announced. All the finalists are recognized, highlighting and celebrating the many ways teachers inspire students and prepare them to succeed and lead meaningful lives.
About Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota County Schools is committed to providing unrivaled academic, developmental, and civic growth to every student, every day. Our schools offer a variety of engaging programs and rigorous learning pathways to expertly cater to the diverse needs of all our students. We are one of two Florida school districts to consistently earn an A-grade every year since 2004 and have been awarded the Mid-Sized School District of the Year by the University of Cambridge.
Sarasota County Schools’ dedicated educators empower students to take charge of their academic and personal success, a practice we believe fosters lifelong growth and achievement. Our schools actively maintain the district’s tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition extends to all students. Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation to make sure they not only graduate on time but do so college and career ready.
Learn more by connecting with us on social media (@sarasotaschools on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn) or by visiting www.SarasotaCountySchools.net.
About the Education Foundation of Sarasota County
With more than 35 years of experience, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County clears the path for students to graduate and go further. They support students and teachers with the well-being, resources, and relationships they need to succeed. As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to students and teachers in Sarasota County, they offer a full range of services, driving innovation and strength for the entire community. Guided by philanthropy, the Education Foundation unites the community to prepare each and every student for life. (EdFoundationSRQ.org)