Lee County educator selected among five statewide finalists for 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year recognition by Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, Florida – A Lee County educator has been recognized at the state level for her work in mathematics education, earning a place among the top teachers in Florida.
The Florida Department of Education announced on May 12, 2026, that Laurel Blackburn, a regional district math coach in Lee County, has been selected as one of five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year award. The recognition places her among an elite group chosen from a large pool of educators across the state.
Blackburn was selected from 74 district teachers of the year, a process that highlights top educators from school districts and eligible charter school consortia across Florida. This year’s selection process drew from a statewide teaching workforce of more than 170,000 public school teachers, making the recognition highly competitive.
The final selection for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year will be announced in July. The winner will go on to serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, representing teachers and the Florida Department of Education in statewide initiatives for one year.
State education leaders say Blackburn stood out for her consistent impact on both students and fellow educators.
“Exceptional teachers like Laurel Blackburn play a critical role in driving student success and strengthening the teaching profession,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “This recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence, both in her work with students and in the support she provides to fellow educators.”
Local school leadership in Lee County also praised her work and influence across the district.
“Through her exceptional instructional skill, dedication to student learning and positive contributions to the school community, Laurel Blackburn consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, collaboration and leadership,” said Dr. Denise Carlin, Superintendent of the School District of Lee County. “Congratulations, Laurel!”
In her current role, Blackburn serves as a regional math coach supporting 22 schools throughout Lee County. Her work focuses on strengthening instructional practices, supporting teachers, and improving student outcomes in mathematics across a wide range of grade levels.
Colleagues describe her as a key support system for early-career teachers, helping them adjust to classroom demands while improving instructional quality. Over time, her guidance has contributed to measurable academic gains, including cases where students reached proficiency levels for the first time under her instruction.
Beyond coaching, Blackburn’s background in education reflects a long commitment to teaching and academic development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Clemson University, a Master of Arts in Middle School Math from Furman University, and a Master of Education in Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Her selection as a state finalist follows a rigorous evaluation process. After each district selects its Teacher of the Year, applications are reviewed by a committee that includes teachers, principals, parents, and business community members. Candidates are assessed based on their ability to teach effectively, communicate subject knowledge, and contribute to both school and community development.
Officials say the Teacher of the Year program is designed not only to recognize excellence but also to elevate the teaching profession statewide. The winner serves as a public ambassador for education, engaging with schools, policymakers, and communities throughout Florida.
As the state moves closer to naming the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year, Blackburn now joins four other finalists in the final stage of consideration. For Lee County, her selection highlights the impact of educators working at both classroom and district levels to improve learning outcomes.
The announcement has already placed a spotlight on her contributions, with education leaders noting that her work reflects both instructional skill and a broader commitment to student success.
The final decision is expected in July, when one educator from the group of five finalists will be chosen to represent Florida teachers for the coming year.
