On January 30, the Okaloosa County Education Association (OCEA) hosted the Annual OCSD Teacher of the Year Banquet. Each school (38) presented one candidate to represent the District as Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year at the state level.
We are proud to share that Ms. Amy Bowden will represent the Okaloosa County School District as our 2025 Teacher of the Year! Ms. Bowden has not only had fantastic success in her fourth-grade classroom at Antioch Elementary but also as a mentor to many teachers throughout our District as a former member of the Northwest Florida State College faculty.
The selection committee shared that all three finalists are excellent educators who go above and beyond for their students and schools. Ms. Mary Miller teaches high school ELA at Baker School, and her students have some of the best scores in the District thanks to her passion for her students. Ms. Kendall Cragin teaches Math at Niceville High School and connects with her students while integrating the latest engagement strategies in her lessons.
Superintendent Chambers shared that "each school’s Teacher of the Year Candidate is integral to their school’s climate and culture, and I appreciate all that these teachers do each day to make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, OCEA and Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, for helping to make this evening memorable for our teachers and their families!"