Sarasota, Fla. (Dec 11, 2025) – Andy Harshman of Sarasota High School was named the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools on Dec. 11, 2025.
Harshman is the visionary leader of Sarasota High School’s MaST Research Institute- a program recognized as one of the most prestigious high school science research initiatives in Florida and across the nation. He will represent district educators throughout the 2026 calendar year and will serve as Sarasota County’s nominee for state Teacher of the Year.
“We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Harshman as the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “He has had a tremendous impact on the lives of his students and school community. We are also proud to celebrate all of this year’s nominees for their contributions towards advancing student success and elevating the field of education.”
This year’s event was held at the Ora, where Harshman was joined by his wife, Krissy Harshman, and fellow Sarasota County Teacher of the Year finalists, 5th grade teacher Becky Hoffman from Pine View School, and art teacher Holly Pisaturo from McIntosh Middle School.
Guests enjoyed dinner and a program led by co-emcees Kari Johnson and Tim Ferguson. The finalists were introduced by their respective 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists — Kelly Rozelle, Rebekah Zech, and Maggie Higgins.
In addition, Kelly Lile of Garden Elementary received the Innovation award, which was presented by Mark Mullin, 2025 Innovation Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes a teacher who is creative in approach, willing to think outside the box, and able to connect students with learning in unique ways.
“Each of the finalists recognized tonight are clearly driven by their love of teaching,” said Education Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Vigne. “We are fortunate and grateful to have teachers who care so deeply about their students, and we’re honored to celebrate and support them.”
The Ignite Education annual tribute to teachers throughout Sarasota County is a highly anticipated event. Thanks to presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group, the Education Foundation presented Harshman with a $6,000 cash award and Hoffman, Pisaturo, and Lile with cash awards of $3,000 each. All 47 Teacher of the Year Award recipients received cash awards of $300.
The award celebration was made possible by presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group, gold sponsors Suncoast Credit Union and Publix Super Markets Charities, and silver sponsors Barancik Foundation, Veronica Brady and Keith Monda, Gilbane Building Company, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, ME&S, and USF College of Education. The Education Foundation is grateful for their continued support of teachers.
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)