The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that a dedicated educator has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 National 180 Awards, a prestigious national recognition celebrating outstanding achievement in literacy and academic growth. Luann Zant, an Intensive Reading teacher at Pryor Middle School, has been honored with the 180 Educator Award for her unwavering commitment to student success, mentorship, and her ability to help students achieve significant academic milestones. This national recognition highlights her exceptional impact in the classroom and her dedication to fostering both literacy skills and student confidence.
Educators recognized through the National 180 Awards are selected based on teaching excellence, measurable student growth, innovative instructional practices, including whole-group and small-group rotational models, student engagement through application use, and alignment with the program’s core values. Mrs. Zant was nominated by her colleague, Donna Born, with whom she works closely.
“Mrs. Zant represents the very best of Okaloosa County School District,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Her passion for literacy and her commitment to ensuring every student succeeds reflect the heart of our mission. While I could not attend the recognition in person, I could not be prouder of the incredible work she is doing to change the trajectory of students’ lives through reading. This honor is well deserved and a testament to her impact both inside and beyond the classroom.”
Pryor Middle School Principal Jason McClelland praised Mrs. Zant’s dedication and instructional excellence. “Mrs. Zant is deeply committed to the success of every student in her Intensive Reading class,” said McClelland. “She knows exactly how to challenge and support students, pushing them just enough to help them grow in confidence and achievement. When you step into her classroom, you immediately see engaging, interactive lessons and students who are actively involved in learning. Pryor Middle School is truly fortunate to have Mrs. Zant. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students are supported, motivated, and successful. We are so proud of Mrs. Zant, Pirate Pride!”
Mrs. Zant, who has been teaching at Pryor Middle School for nearly 11 years, shared her passion for literacy and student growth. “I am passionate about helping middle school students develop strong reading skills that will serve them for a lifetime, while also fostering a love of reading,” said Zant. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is witnessing those ‘lightbulb’ moments, when everything finally clicks and students gain confidence in themselves as readers. Those moments are what continue to inspire me.”
Elease McDonald, District Curriculum Specialist for the Okaloosa County School District, emphasized the lasting impact of reading educators. “Few occupations are more noble or more rewarding than being a reading teacher,” said McDonald. “You open doors to the world that students will walk through for the rest of their lives. Literacy is the foundation of everything, and we are incredibly fortunate to have teachers as dedicated to that mission as Mrs. Zant.”
The Okaloosa County School District congratulates Mrs. Zant on this outstanding national recognition and celebrates the continued commitment of its educators to student success and academic excellence.