Jaime Suarez is known as a dedicated teacher who is deeply concerned with the success of her students and colleagues. 

The Troy University College of Education alumna is a mathematics teacher at Challenger K-8 School of Sciences and Mathematics in Hernando County, Florida. For this school year, she has added an additional title – 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. She was selected from among five Teacher of the Year finalists and presented with the honor by Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.

“It is because of inspirational and dedicated educators like Jaime that Florida’s students continue to exceed expectations and raise the bar for education,” Commissioner Diaz said. “I look forward to seeing the impact that she will make on educators across the state over the next year.”

The Florida Teacher of the Year program celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements. As Teacher of the Year, Suarez will visit schools and school districts across the state of Florida, serving as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.

“I am deeply humbled to be named the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year,” Suarez said. “It is both an honor and a privilege to represent not only this remarkable profession but also the extraordinary teachers who make it so special. I am thrilled to represent Hernando County and the many phenomenal educators and programs that we have here.”

Suarez said the Teacher of the Year process, which enabled her to meet state education leaders, has been an inspiring experience. 

“Meeting the leadership from the Florida Department of Education has been an inspiring experience. Their unwavering passion for advancing student success is truly motivating, and I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with them over the coming year to elevate teachers across the great state of Florida,” she said.

Suarez teaches mathematics to students in grades 6-8 at Challenger where she is a High Impact teacher, the grade level team lead and mentor, coordinator of the Math Field Day and serves on the district’s science textbook selection committee.

“Ms. Suarez radiates her love for learning to everyone around her – students, colleagues, and families. Her lessons build confidence in her students and spark their enthusiasm for math,” said Challenger Principal Rosemarie Maiorini. “She never wavers in her belief in their potential to learn, and her students respond by surpassing their limits. I am truly honored to stand alongside this remarkable soul.”

Hernando County Superintendent Ray Pinder believes Suarez will serve as a tremendous ambassador for the education profession.

“We are thrilled for Jaime. She exemplifies the powerful impact talented educators have on student success. We are proud to share her with the rest of the state as she visits communities throughout Florida,” Pinder said. “Jaime will be an incredible ambassador, not only for Hernando Schools, but for the profession she loves. We wish her the best of luck and we look forward to having her back soon.”

In addition to the Teacher of the Year title, Suarez received a $50,000 award from the state of Florida and will receive a tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree from the Florida State University College of Education and a two-year Florida College scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan to present to a student of her choice.