May 7, 2026
FDOE Press Office
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High School Teacher From Nassau County Earns Spot Among 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Finalists
Kathy Burns, Superintendent, Sarah Twardy, Senior Chancellor Paul Burns
Sarah Twardy, a high school U.S. History and Government teacher at Fernandina Beach High School in Nassau County, with her students.
Tallahassee, Fla., May 7, 2026 – In a testament to her dedication and passion for teaching, Sarah Twardy, who teaches U.S. History and Government at Fernandina Beach High School, has been named one of the five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year award. The selection comes from a pool of 74 district teachers of the year, with the final announcement of the winner expected in July.
“Educators who lead with purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence create meaningful impact far beyond their own classrooms, and Sarah Twardy exemplifies this every day,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Her recognition as a state finalist underscores the vital role teachers play in advancing student success and strengthening their school communities.”
Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns praised Twardy’s contribution, saying, “Sarah Twardy exemplifies what it means to be an educator in Nassau County. She is committed to continuous improvement, dedicated to serving others and focused on ensuring every student feels support and inspired to succeed. Her inquiry-based approach encourages students to think critically, ask meaningful questions and connect historical learning to their roles as active citizens.”
Spotlight on Sarah Twardy
As the lead U.S. History and Government teacher at Fernandina Beach High School, Sarah Twardy has made a significant impact through her teaching, achieving a remarkable 92% pass rate on the U.S. History End-of-Course exam—the highest in the school’s history. Beyond her classroom duties, she mentors pre-service teachers, supports her peers, and acts as a clinical educator, guiding the next generation of educators through practical supervision. Twardy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and a Master of Arts in United States History from the University of Albany.
The Florida Teacher of the Year finalists were chosen from over 170,000 public school teachers statewide. The selection process involved a committee of teachers, principals, parents, and business community members, evaluating candidates on their teaching effectiveness, subject knowledge, professional development, and community service. The winner will serve for a year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, representing the Department of Education and educators across Florida.
For additional details about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, visit Florida Teachers Lead.
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