Acknowledging 14 teachers whose integrity and compassion leave a lasting impact on their students.

Behind every terrific student is a great teacher who goes above and beyond in making sure they connect with each individual child in meaningful ways. These educators lead with integrity, teach with compassion and understand that learning and development is as much about shaping character as it is about sharing knowledge. We once again take a look at some of the top teachers in Central Florida, recognized by their schools for making an impact both in and outside of the classroom.

Rita Daugherty

AP Spanish Language and Culture, Cinema for Spanish Conversation, Honors Spanish III, Creative Lettering: Calligraphy, Trinity Preparatory School

Daugherty has spent over 30 years inspiring middle and high school students through her love of language, culture and connection. She currently teaches AP Spanish Language and Culture with WE Service, Cinema for Spanish Conversation, Honors Spanish III and an interim course in Creative Lettering: Calligraphy. Daugherty has led student trips to Spain and serves as Trinity Prep’s World Languages Endowed Chair, overseeing its annual Culture Fest, an event that brings families together to celebrate heritage through food, stories and traditions. She has also guided the Spanish Honor Society and state competition teams to years of success.

Alexandra Figueroa

Kindergarten, Village Park Elementary

Alexandra Figueroa, a 20-year OCPS educator, sets high expectations for her kindergarten students and champions inclusive social development. For two years, she has used a hand puppet named “Elma” to help students model compassion and build essential life skills. Figueroa fosters a classroom where every child feels included, resulting in a 40% decrease in peer conflict referrals. Her approach also helped strengthen school culture. Figueroa’s differentiation and attention to progress monitoring has led to 90% math mastery and all special education and English-language learners meeting their individualized goals. Figueroa models the profound connection between empathy and student success.

Susan Peoski

Agriculture, Horticulture and Natural Resources, Edgewater High

Peoski is passionate about agriculture and sustainability and shares that with her students. She established Edgewater’s Green Team—which won the district’s Waste Audit contest—as well as the school’s FFA agriculture program to further connect students with agricultural science. What’s more, she organized a school beautification project and helped develop the Recycling Squad for students with disabilities. Thanks to her support, encouragement and commitment to student excellence, Peoski was named the 2025-2026 Edgewater Teacher of the Year.

Camellia Muniz

Second-grade, Montverde Academy

Muniz has 13 years of experience in education. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree in early childhood education, she brings extensive expertise in nurturing young children. After teaching Pre-K4 for the past seven years at Montverde Academy, she stepped into her new role as a second grade teacher at the beginning of this school year. Muniz has a genuine passion for making learning fun and relevant for her students, utilizing innovative teaching methods and continuing to find ways to incorporate technology effectively. As a mentor to other teachers, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences while guiding her colleagues to be successful in their own classrooms.

Daisha Velandia

Specific Learning Disabilities, Sadler Elementary

Inspired by a relative with cerebral palsy, Velandia decided to become a special education teacher six years ago, after beginning her career as a paraprofessional. She prioritizes accessible education, self-advocacy and celebrating student growth. Under her guidance, English Language Arts learning gains for students with exceptionalities increased by 14 percentage points and proficiency rose by 4% year over year. Velandia also coaches general education colleagues on scaffolding and de-escalation. She has enhanced the school’s culture by planning monthly celebrations and events, leading the Step Team and co-leading The Amazing Shake, which develops professional poise and leadership in students.

LuCinda Riles

Upper School Lead Teacher, Cornerstone Charter Academy

Riles has over 15 years of experience in secondary education and holds a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. For the past 14 years, she has taught the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program, where she inspired students through hands-on, inquiry‑based learning rooted in real‑world biomedical challenges. She now serves as lead teacher, supporting the school’s Biomedical and Engineering Academy programs. In this role, she guides curriculum implementation, mentors staff and helps strengthen innovative STEM pathways for all learners.

Emybi Cabellaro

Department Head of World Language, Montverde Academy

Cabellaro exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership and innovation at Montverde Academy. As Department Head of World Language, she brings vision and heart to her work, most notably through the development of the Native and Heritage Language Program—an initiative that celebrates students’ linguistic identities and sets Montverde Academy apart. Cabellaro also leads the Honor Council, where she fosters integrity, empathy and student voice across campus. Known for her deep cultural knowledge, high expectations and unwavering support of students, she empowers learners to see language as both an academic discipline and a vital connection to family, culture and self.

Cheyenne Williams

Third-grade, Princeton Elementary

Williams, a five-year Orange County Public Schools educator, inspires others with words and actions. In her classroom, students feel safe, valued and loved, and her strategies routinely make their way into others’ classrooms. Examples include her system for color-coding text, which makes reading analysis easier, and her “Handle with Care” note, which parents can use to discreetly request extra emotional support for their child. Last school year, she lifted her students from 11% math and 56% reading proficiency to 89% math and 100% reading proficiency. She also opens her classroom before school to any student needing assistance with homework and runs a popular, school-wide “Breakfast Club” to improve school culture.

Abbie Nestler-Teremoto

Seventh-grade English, The First Academy

Nestler-Teremoto’s seventh-grade English classroom is a place full of warmth, joy and passion for both language and the Lord. At The First Academy, she brings a vibrant blend of global experience, academic excellence and a faith journey that shapes the way she teaches. Middle school can be a season full of pressure, but she reminds her students that their identity is not based on what others think and to lean into their faith, especially during difficult times. She sees relationships as a cornerstone of student success, and beyond the curriculum, she fosters a deep love for reading and writing, inspiring students to find their unique voices.

Lauren Fiallo

Behavior Specialist, Dillard Street Elementary

A behavior specialist with 17 years of experience, Fiallo is an expert at creating highly specialized interventions that result in dramatic change. For one non-verbal student with autism who was repeating an aggressive behavior multiple times a day, she developed an intervention so successful it was adopted by the student’s family and therapist. Fiallo also provides deep campus leadership, managing a self-contained unit for six months. Her planning ensured five fifth-grade students with autism successfully transitioned from the self-contained unit to a general education middle school setting. She also founded the Dillard Street Chess Club, which has helped to improve student behavior and academics.

Terrance V. Washington Jr.

Psychology, Windermere Preparatory School

At Windermere Preparatory School, Washington teaches IB Psychology and prepares students for their senior-year IB exams. After a decade of teaching at the college level, he was drawn to Windermere Prep by a desire for deeper connections, purpose and community. Now in his third year, he is known for building meaningful relationships with his students and creating a classroom where they feel safe, supported and understood. Washington is passionate about guiding students not only academically, but also through life lessons that leave a lasting impact.

Dayanna Estaba

Lead Preschool Teacher, Fiorella Preparatory School

Estaba is an exceptional educator who equips her students with all the tools they need to succeed—not only in the classroom, but also as productive members of the community. From organizing engaging, hands-on activities to fostering a culture of critical thinking, she creates a nurturing environment where students thrive. She is a daily example of living out Christian values and consistently creates meaningful learning experiences that her students will carry with them for years to come.

Emma Hammontree

American History, World History, Geography, Fortress Christian School

Hammontree brings history to life for her students at Fortress Christian School, an online school that assists families by providing an educational environment that helps prepare students for academic success while also helping fortify their faith. With a degree in American Civilization from Florida College, she teaches American History, World History and Geography. Hammontree’s classes are marked by creativity, energy and a deep love for both history and God, helping students see the story of the world through a Christ-centered lens.

Darby Ballard

PreK-1st Grade Performing Arts/Drama, Park Maitland School

Park Maitland has been Ballard’s away from home for as long as she can remember. She started as a K-4 student and never seemed to leave as this year marks her 29th as a full-time teacher at the school. After starting as a substitute for two years, she was offered a full-time position teaching reading and literature and working as a first-grade aide. Though eager to succeed in her new role, Ballard’s desire was to teach drama and just a few weeks before the school year started, she was offered the chance to when a position opened up in the department. She has worked tirelessly to combine both her love of teaching and the performing arts ever since.