From a young age, teachers play such a pivotal part in one’s life. From the youthful exuberance shown at the grade school level to the high school teacher who helps a student find a deeper appreciation for academics, there’s no shortage of important educators right here in Central Florida. That’s why we reached out to several area school districts to have them nominate the teachers they feel regularly rise to the occasion and go out of their way to nurture and develop young minds so they can become the best versions of themselves.

Francisco Cardoza

Fifth-grade teacher, Village Park Elementary School

In just his fifth year teaching, Cardoza has made a large impact in the Village Park school community as Domus Sapientiae House Master, Amazing Shake coach, ESOL tutor, science and math tutor. He helped create the AAA Safety Patrol and National Elementary Honors Society that focuses on helping students become confident leaders. Cardoza loves to help and serve others, and believes it is imperative to not only educate but also teach manners and social confidence that will take children a long way in their futures. Cardoza was the 2023 Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year as well as the 2022-23 Village Park Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Kerry Hastings

Media Specialist at Tangelo Park Elementary School

Hastings has been a classroom teacher for third and fourth graders for 10 years. As the media specialist at Tangelo Park, she strives to produce a safe environment for all students to feel welcome. With a cross-sectional display of books, inspirational posters and messages, each and every student can feel a connection. Hastings was a 2023 Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year finalist and was named the 2022-23 Tangelo Park Elementary School Teacher of the Year.  

Courtney Williams

Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Montverde Academy

Williams teaches ancient world history and mythology with a focus on learning about diverse cultures through multiple perspectives and using an interdisciplinary approach that looks to the past as a way to solve current, real-world scenarios. She works with students as the Builders Club advisor, implements financial literacy practices and leads the eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip that allows classroom content to become hands-on learning experiences. With her strong work ethic and drive, she was Montverde’s 2022 Teacher of the Year.

Joe Stone

Middle School Band Teacher & Associate Director of Fine Arts

at Windermere Preparatory School

During the day at Windermere Preparatory School, Stone teaches multiple classes: fifth-grade band, a beginning band program consisting of sixth- through eighth-grade students, the intermediate band consisting of the school’s most experienced middle school musicians in seventh and eighth grade, and the Keys and Frets class, teaching students about music theory and performance through guitar and piano. After school, Stone is one of the directors for the newest and most prestigious music ensemble on campus, The Laker Jazz Band, which performs at various events. This past year, for the first time ever, Windermere’s intermediate band program received a superior rating at the Florida Music Performance Assessment.

Jessica Sarduy

STEM Teacher, Blankner Elementary School

Sarduy has been with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) for seven years. Four years ago, Blankner transformed into an innovation school and Sarduy was tasked with starting its STEAM initiative. With a fabrication and collaboration lab, students are able to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to learn about different issues happening in the world. Last year, Blankner won Gold-level recognition from The Everglades Foundation using the STEAM classroom as a platform to learn about all things Everglades. Sarduy was named OCPS Sustainability Champion, and the program has been recognized with awards for innovation and community involvement. Due to her consistent dedication to the program, Sarduy was the 2022-23 Blankner School Teacher of the Year.

Joslyn Roberts-Judy

Middle School Science Teacher, Montverde Academy

With an eclectic background as a field biologist, government hazardous waste inspector for small quality generators and an environmental storm water inspector, Roberts-Judy uses her vast experience to provide a real-world connection in the classroom. Her course focuses on various topics including the characteristics of life, biological molecules, classification of living things, cellular structures and functions, ecology and heredity. Along with being a life science teacher, she is the LEGO First robotics teacher. Her goal is to aid students in becoming lifelong learners with an understanding of applied science to the world around them.

Joy Cahow

Tier 1 Intervention Teacher, Endeavor Elementary School

For the past 23 years, Cahow has been an active and ambitious leader for Orange County Public Schools. She serves as a team leader, a mentor to new teachers and supervising teacher to University of Central Florida junior and senior interns. She is known for sponsoring Endeavor’s Kindness Series for second graders and Positiviti Team promoting social and emotional learning for grades three through five. Through team-building exercises and a focus on kindness, her program created a major improvement in school culture. Due to the work she has completed, she was the 2022-23 Endeavor Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Melissa Williams

Third-Grade Teacher, Washington Shores Elementary School

For the past 16 years, Williams has worked with students from kindergarten through third grade. She enjoys seeing them grow and develop into independent, creative and critical thinkers. Through education, Williams is able to inspire and encourage future generations, and watching her students grasp new concepts and skills is the most rewarding aspect. Helping students excel has made Williams a beloved presence at Washington Shores, and resulted in her being named the school’s Teacher of the Year and a 2022-23 Orange County Public Schools District Teacher of the Year finalist.

April Markham 

Fourth-grade teacher, Foundation Academy 

Markham has taught fourth grade at Foundation Academy for seven years and is adored by students, staff, fellow teachers and administration. She is a dedicated teacher who loves and challenges her students every day while creating a classroom atmosphere that breeds creativity. Her students are comfortable taking risks because they know their classmates and teacher will support them. She was recently chosen as the American Legion Teacher of the Year.

Catherine Johnson

Lower School teacher, Lake Highland Preparatory School

Johnson is a kind, dedicated and skilled teacher. She makes meaningful connections with students and families to create an atmosphere of love, concern and mutual respect within her classroom. Students learn through a variety of hands-on and collaborative techniques. Her joy and enthusiasm for teaching inspire students to love learning. Johnson was a recent recipient of the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award at Lake Highland.

Tammy Burns

Second-grade teacher, The First Academy

Burns has always had a big heart for children and their development. After years as an instructional assistant, she was challenged to complete her degree and certification, consequently moving from instructional assistant to classroom educator. With 25 years of experience, she has worked to build a classroom community where children feel safe to express themselves and their ideas because they’re taught to treat each other with respect. She enjoys encouraging her students in their curricular and extracurricular endeavors, and was awarded the 2021-2022 Lower School Teacher of the Year for her dedication and commitment to education.