Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. | Florida Department of Education
The Florida Department of Education has named Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus County, as one of the five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made on May 16, 2025. The winner will be revealed in July.
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. praised Crabtree's dedication and talent, stating, "Autumn Crabtree is a dedicated and talented culinary arts teacher. She strives to make her classes dynamic and relevant, ensuring her students gain real-world knowledge and skills that translate into career readiness."
Citrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert also commended Crabtree's abilities: “Ms. Crabtree possesses a rare combination of technical expertise and an innate ability to connect with her students. She consistently demonstrates her passion for teaching, her commitment to her students’ success and her remarkable ability to create an engaging and enriching learning environment.”
Crabtree holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University and is certified in Middle Grades Mathematics as well as Family and Consumer Science.
The selection process for the state finalists involved nearly 175,000 public school teachers across Florida. Each district selects its teacher of the year before a committee evaluates applications based on teaching ability, communication skills, professional learning contributions, and community service involvement.
The chosen Teacher of the Year will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education for one year. This role involves representing both the Department of Education and teachers throughout Florida.
This program is supported by several sponsors including Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan; Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Sciences; Helios Education Foundation; Sunshine Health; The Florida Lottery; Florida Power & Light Company; HCA Healthcare; Herff Jones; Publix Super Markets Charities; PNC Bank; and JM Family Enterprises through their partnership with the Florida Education Foundation.
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