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 English Language Arts (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!"

Amy Bowden, a 4th-grade teacher at Antioch Elementary School, leads the HOPE Squad, Drone Team, and Young Astronauts club. She enjoys writing grants, managing her school's Gifted Educational Plans (EP), and taking students to Space Camp. Her favorite part of teaching is motivating students to want to come to school. Each week Ms. Bowden’s students contribute to their class newspaper that they enjoy reading every Monday as they sip hot chocolate. She believes that part of the joy of teaching is best found in creating the joy of learning for her students. Her mission is to change the world, one student at a time.

Kendall Cragin is a product of the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 2006. She graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in 2010 with honors and then was hired to teach and coach dance at Ruckel Middle School where she stayed for 8 years before moving to Niceville High School (NHS). She is currently in her sixth year at NHS where she teaches Math Foundational Skills and several different levels of Algebra 1. She feels blessed and honored to represent NHS as their Teacher of the Year and would like to thank her family, friends, and administrators for believing in her always.

Mary Miller is honored to be the Teacher of the Year representative of her alma mater, Baker School. She is in her fourth year of teaching High School English. She graduated from the University of West Florida (UWF) in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She is also a published writer with four current publications. Outside of academics, Ms. Miller coaches Girl's Weightlifting and Track and Field. She works alongside her father, uncles, childhood best friend, and her husband, who is her Baker School sweetheart. Ultimately, she loves and thanks her students for the daily honor of being their teacher.

Olivia Athey was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where she attended kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at Delta State University but later realized teaching was her calling. She returned to college and earned her professional teaching license. This is her eighth-year teaching, and her goal each year is to build confidence in her students to carry with them wherever they go. Ms. Athey has four amazing children and is honored to represent Bluewater Elementary School as the Teacher of the Year.

Ashlee Van Dyke is currently in her 13th year of teaching in Okaloosa County and has served as a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher. Her passion for teaching is shown in how she strives to implement meaningful, engaging, and powerful learning experiences that will provide her students with the knowledge they need to grow as accomplished young learners. She is a wife and mother of two and would like to thank her husband, Kevin, for all his love and support allowing her to become the teacher she is today.

Jennifer Allison is in her 7th year as an educator teaching science. Known for her dedication to building relationships with her students, she creates an inclusive classroom environment for students to thrive. Ms. Allison's commitment is expressed through serving as a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director. She is currently working towards her master’s in educational leadership and aspires to be an administrator in the future. Ms. Allison gives special thanks to her family, colleagues, and administrators for their unwavering support throughout the years.

Charlie Horton is a product of the OCSD. He attended the University of Florida (UF), where he decided to pursue a career in education. In 2016, he was hired to teach math at Pryor Middle School. In 2019, he accepted a position at Choctawhatchee High School, where he restarted the school's Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics program. Mr. Horton is the Junior Varsity Football Head Coach, Junior Class sponsor, and leads the Chess Club. He is passionate about helping his students grow, both in class and in life. He loves his family and his co-workers and is proud to be part of the tribe. Go Big Green!

From childhood, Michelle Martin knew that her gift from God was helping others. She knows her students may not remember what a plot diagram is or how to classify the relationships between angles, but they will take away bigger lessons. Ms. Martin prioritizes getting to know her students because sometimes the place where they feel safer is in the four walls of our classrooms. She cannot get through to all of them, but she tries to reassure them of their value and that someone is undoubtedly fighting for them and cares about them. This nomination makes her believe that she is doing something right.

Ashley Hatcher teaches Algebra I Honors at Davidson Middle School. She started teaching 25 years ago and has taught 5th grade up to Calculus. Ms. Hatcher has also taught in three states and is National Board Certified. She enjoys learning and has spent the last couple of years creating content and facilitating for the state of Florida. Ms. Hatcher is the department chair at her school and the lead Algebra I teacher for the District. She loves making math fun and wants every student to enjoy math as much as she does. She is married to Craig Hatcher and has two daughters.

Tish Edmonsond is from the northwest tip of Georgia. She graduated from Dalton State College with her elementary education degree and the University of West Georgia with her Master's in elementary education. While in Georgia, she taught 1st grade for two years before moving to Florida where she now teaches 2nd grade math and science. Mrs. Edmonsond has been married to her husband, Chris, for ten years and they have two children. She enjoys helping the teachers with technology and spends the rest of her time watching her kids in their sporting events.

Scherie Lee Havard is a product of Okaloosa County Schools, and her teaching journey began over 30 years ago at Southside Elementary as a 2nd grade Project CHILD teacher. She taught 4th grade at Antioch Elementary School for 10 years, and 7th grade Civics, Geography, and Intensive Reading at Davidson Middle School for 12 years. Currently, she is teaching Civics at Destin Middle School. Ms. Havard is lucky enough to still have her mom, three beautiful daughters, and one precious grandson. Go Marlins!

Janie Nelson has called Niceville, Florida, home all her life. She is a product of the Okaloosa County schools and attended Edge Elementary School where she currently teaches kindergarten. Mrs. Nelson loves being an educator and laying important foundations of learning as well as a LOVE for learning. She considers it nothing but a privilege to work amongst the best of the best here in Okaloosa County. She loves what she does but most importantly who she does it with! Mrs. Nelson is married to her wonderful husband of 22 years and they have five beautiful children.

Michael Whichard is absolutely honored and appreciative by his peers to be named Teacher of the Year for Edwins Elementary School! In 2017, he graduated from UWF with a dual bachelor’s degree in Special Education (K-12) and Elementary Education (K-5). He also has received his Reading and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certifications. Mr. Whichard has worked alongside children with special needs for 11 years. He lives in Navarre, Florida, with his beautiful wife, Larissa, and their two children.

Kristy Saffo was raised in Florida and began shaping children’s lives as a YMCA childcare counselor. After starting a family of her own, she became engaged in her kids’ schools and extracurricular activities. Her passion for working with children and giving back to the community led her to begin her formal teaching career at Eglin Elementary School in 2016. Mrs. Saffo enjoys instilling confidence and a love for learning. She is honored to have been chosen as Teacher of the Year for Eglin Elementary School and thanks her husband and four incredible children for all their support.

An elementary educator, Kimberly Sutton is a product of the Okaloosa County School system. Her passion is to support students through engaging math and science projects and real-world problem solving. Ms. Sutton is honored to give back to the community that supported her as a student that went through very difficult times. Elliott Point Elementary School teachers have made a difference in her family's life, and she tries daily to do that for students. She has two successful adult children and three terrific grandchildren.

Shelly King is a Florosa, Florida, Girl. Not only did she attend Florosa Elementary School, but her family also settled in the Florosa area in the 1800s. She attended Fort Walton Beach High School (FWBHS) where she developed a love for math and science. After graduating from UWF, she taught 2nd grade in Tennessee and in a juvenile detention center in North Carolina before returning home to Florida with her husband and son. All of Mrs. King's 30 years at Florosa Elementary School were in 4th grade. She has taught every subject as well as gifted classes, but math and science are her favorites.

Lissette Fields began her 30-year career in Chicago in 1991 teaching bilingual deaf and hard of hearing students. After moving to Florida in 1998, she taught Exceptional Student Education (ESE) at Valparaiso Elementary School while simultaneously working on a master’s degree and completing it in 2001. From 2002 to today, she has been at FWBHS and has taught learning strategies, Reading, 9th grade English, and for the last 10 years American Sign Language levels 1-4. Coach Fields has also led Viking Cross Country and Track and Field for over 20 years. She is the wife of Jeff Fields, and mother of 9 children ages 11 - 36.

Maggie Downey is a dedicated educator with 26 years of teaching experience. Her passion for teaching shines through as a Kindergarten teacher. Her commitment to education has touched the lives of countless students. She firmly believes that the key to her students' success and their enduring love for learning is rooted in the meaningful relationships she fosters with her children. As a mother of three, Ms. Downey understands the vital role that educators play in shaping young minds. Her love for teaching reflects her commitment to creating a brighter future for her students.

Sharon Mitchell has worked for the OCSD for 27 years. Throughout the course of her employment, she has served as a Title I teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, High School Remedial Reading teacher, 2nd, 5th, and 4th grade teacher, where she has spent most of her career. Ms. Mitchell is honored to represent Laurel Hill School and is proud to be part of a school that provides a unique atmosphere where everyone feels like family. She is married to Philip Mitchell, and they have two daughters.

Ashley Muchler graduated from Niceville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UWF. When she started at Lewis School, she was a paraprofessional who transitioned into a Comprehensive Behavior Supports/Autism Spectrum Disorder (CBS/ASD) teacher. Last year, she became a K-5 Resource Teacher which allowed her to reach more students and help her fellow teachers find ways to help their students stay focused and decompress when feeling upset. Before teaching at Lewis School, she worked as a specialized counselor with Families First Network for eight years.

Lara Johnston is inspired each day by her students' determination and resilience. As an avid sports fan, she likes to use sports analogies and friendly competition to motivate her students to reach their potential. Her favorite part of her job is to call parents to tell them about a good day! As a career changer with much to learn, she tries to live by the motto that kids don't need a perfect teacher, they need a happy one! She wishes to thank both her home family and her Longwood Elementary School family for all their support.

Chase Hilyer is a veteran who served in Kuwait and Iraq. After the military, he received his associate degree at Northwest Florida State College and his bachelor's at FSU. At Mary Esther Elementary School, Mr. Hilyer has tutored, coached the Robotics Team, and taught an after-school coding class. He is married to Terri, and they have two cats together. He feels lucky to have a profession that he loves and one where he gets to work with his two best friends. Mr. Hilyer is honored to be Mary Esther Elementary's Teacher of the Year.

Christy Little has been an ESE teacher at Meigs Middle School for the last five years in the Comprehensive Behavior Supports/Emotional or Behavioral Disorder (CBS/EBD) unit where she has taught Math, Science, Social Emotional Learning, and has been teaching English Language Arts for the past three years. She encourages her students to advocate for their needs, identify their emotions, and helps them to utilize the strategies they’ve learned to increase their self-regulation skills. Ms. Little spearheaded the development and implementation of a Calming Room on campus and is a pivotal member of the de-escalation team as well as a mentor to her peers.

Erika Denney teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA and History at the Northwest Florida Ballet Academie. After relocating to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ms. Denney, a mother to three children, decided on a remarkable career change from Marketing to becoming an educator, finally using her English and History degrees that her mother said would never come in handy. She is thrilled to be a part of the middle school team at such a distinctive educational institution that combines performing arts education with high-level academics. In addition to classroom education, she serves as the HOPE Squad advisor and works with the Threat Assessment Team.

Erin Contreras attended FSU where she was a member of the Marching Chiefs Colorguard. During college, she was a substitute teacher and High School Colorguard instructor. She began her career working with hospitalized children as a Child Life Specialist. After 13 years, Ms. Contreras made a career change to become a teacher. Her parents’ hard work and passion for educating inspired her decision. She's been teaching Kindergarten for seven years at the same elementary school she attended. Ms. Contreras strives to bring joy for learning to her students. She loves teaching but her greatest joy is being a mom.

Gordon Brown spent his first four years of teaching at Wright Elementary School teaching single-gender 5th-grade Math and served as the Grade Level Chair for three years. He developed a Disney Youth Education Series (YES) trip, enhancing curriculum and fostering student leadership. Mr. Brown has been designated a Florida High Impact Teacher for five years, helping elevate Wright Elementary School from a C to an A+ school. Currently, he teaches Algebra 1 at the Okaloosa STEMM Academy. Last year, his students excelled in End of Course (EOC) assessments with over 70% of students earning 4's and 5's. This contributed to the Okaloosa STEMM Academy being ranked as the #1 Middle School in Florida and recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Keith Seeley teaches welding at Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) to dual-enrolled and adult students, qualifying American Welding Society certified students within Florida standards. He has taught over 70 students, earning 105 Certifications. Mr. Seeley works with the school and community by repairing the Sheriff's Department's boats, making memorial plaques for fallen Sheriff Deputies, and helping other OTC departments. Knowing the skills and needs of the industry, he helps secure employment for his students and increase the number of industry partners for the school.

Jamie Bristol is a product of FSU and has been teaching Physical Education at the elementary level for 17 years. She gives her all to her students every day and makes each student feel important and included in all activities no matter their ability level. Ms. Bristol's enthusiasm and dedication to all Plew Panthers, big and small, is matched by no other. She is a proud wife and mother of two incredible children and is beyond flattered to represent Plew Elementary School as Teacher of the Year. She thanks her coworkers for their continued support.

Maggie Kickhoefer is a 7th Grade Math teacher at Pryor Middle School, proudly following in her mother and family’s footsteps. A product of a public school education, she graduated from UF in 2015 with her bachelor’s in mathematics and a minor in teaching. She taught in Gainesville, Florida, for two years before moving to Okaloosa County where she has been teaching for three years. Ms. Kickhoefer supports her students inside and outside of the classroom and has been a Mathcounts Coach, an Academic Team Coach, and a HOPE Squad advisor.

Stacy Daniel began her career as an educator in 2004 and started as an ESE Paraprofessional in Santa Rosa County. In 2012, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Troy University and started her teaching career as an ESE teacher in 2018. She has taught Inclusion and Varying Exceptionalities for the past eight years. Ms. Daniel is thankful for the support and encouragement she receives from her administrators, paraprofessionals, and peers at Richbourg School! She is also thankful for her family, friends, and her three children.

Ashley Campbell grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and spent 17 years teaching preschool and working with elementary children in after-school and summer camp programs before becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s in arts administration and her teaching certification in Elementary Education and Drama for grades 6-12. Ms. Campbell has since added her reading, ESOL, and gifted endorsements to her certification and leads an after-school Theater Arts Club. In her 5th year teaching in Okaloosa County, it is her greatest joy to help children grow to believe in themselves.

Jami Nespoli started her career teaching 2nd grade at Plew Elementary Schools for nine years. She is now at Ruckel Middle School where she is in her second year teaching Intensive Reading and sponsors the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Builders Club. She is currently seeking her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ms. Nespoli has been married for 18 years and has two sons. She would like to thank her friends, colleagues, children, and most of all her husband for celebrating her success and for always pushing her to be her best self. She is honored to have been selected as Plew Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.

Annie Riggins joined the first class of Collegiate High School to pursue her education. After graduating from Flagler College, she taught 5th grade in Flagler County, Florida, and Cairo, Egypt. In 2013, Mrs. Riggins returned home to find the community of Team Okaloosa at Meigs Middle School. She then joined Shalimar Elementary School to teach 5th grade and Title 1 Math. She is passionate about empowering children and families, and after 20 years, she is pursuing clinical social work through FSU with hopes of working with children as a school mental health counselor.

Stacy Grant graduated from UWF with a degree in mathematics. In 2016, she began working for Okaloosa County as a substitute teacher, and in August 2017, she began her teaching career working with at-risk students as part of the Raider Group. Mrs. Grant was hired as a full-time teacher at Shoal River Middle School in August 2018. This is her 6th year teaching mathematics, a passion of hers, for the students at Shoal River Middle School.

Marian Gilmore graduated from Florida Southern College and earned a master’s degree in education from Ohio University. She teaches science and runs the Aquaponics Green House at Silver Sands School. Ms. Gilmore has always had a love for science but discovered a love and passion for all things Space! She found it was easy to teach about Space Science and take it across the curriculum with hands-on activities. Ms. Gilmore has won The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Teacher of the Year Award and the Teacher of the Year award from the Civil Air Patrol.

Lauren Kreger is a 1st and 2nd-grade ELA teacher at Southside Primary School. She has been an educator for 11 years and has developed a love for teaching reading. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping a student learn to read. In her classroom, Ms. Kreger promotes a sense of family, fun, acceptance, and growth. She is currently working towards a master’s in educational leadership, as well as coaching youth cheerleading. Ms. Kreger comes from a long legacy of Okaloosa educators. She and her husband, CJ, have two children.

Lauren McMillan grew up in Danville, Pennsylvania. After college, she began her teaching career in 2005 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She taught 3rd, 1st, and 4th grades and in 2011 received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina. In 2012, she moved with her husband Earl, a sergeant with the 7th Special Forces, to Florida and started her journey in Okaloosa County. She taught 4th grade before moving to a Title I position at Walker Elementary School where she remains to this day. She appreciates those who have supported and helped her grow into the educator she is today.

Wendy Cole is in her 11th year of teaching at Wright Elementary School and is currently teaching kindergarten. The love she has for her students is immeasurable. Her laughter and compassion are the perfect combination for a positive and energetic learning environment. Ms. Cole is a product of the OCSD, attending Mary Esther Elementary, Pryor Middle School, and Meigs Middle School, and graduating from Choctawhatchee High School. She completed her elementary education degree at Northwest Florida State College.

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