A photo collage of each of the finalist for Teacher of the Year.

Dec. 17, 2024 –Congratulations are in order for the top five finalists for the VyStar 2025 Teacher of the Year!

“This is one of the greatest moments, because it's celebrating teachers and this is an opportunity for me as well as all of our sponsors to really pour into our teachers and tell them that they have purpose and impact,” said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier.

This year's finalist are:

  • Vincent Taylor, Cedar Hills Elementary

  • Kimberly Niebauer, Loretto Elementary 

  • Aubrey Albaracin, Greenland Pines Elementary

  • Stephanie Weathington, San Jose Elementary

  • Michael Steinhardt, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

The finalists were each surprised with the news on Friday, Dec. 13 by a team of school district leaders and community partners, led by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. 

"It never gets old, it's the surprise on the teacher's faces as we walk into a room,” said Bernier. “They start to put it together that, ‘Oh my God, I'm going to be one of the five finalists.’”

The day began with a stop at Cedar Hills to surprise math interventionist and coach, Vincent Taylor, who fought hard to hold back tears before breaking out into his very own choreographed dance with his students, staff, and family. 

“Words can express how great this feels,” said Taylor. “It's one thing to do the work, but then to see so many appreciate the work and uplift you, it really feels good.”

 

A couple miles down the road, gifted education teacher, Kimberly Niebauer's face lit up as the group and Jaxson Deville walked into her Loretto Elementary classroom.

 

“I'm honestly stunned, like I didn't expect this,” said Niebauer. “This is my 25th year teaching, so to do this now just feels incredible.”

 

The big smiles and heavy tears continued with third and fourth grade special education teacher, Aubrey Albaracin, at Greenland Pines Elementary who said she feels so grateful and happy to be recognized as a finalist. 

 

“I can't even put it into words what I'm feeling right now,” said Albaracin. “We have so many great teachers, not only at my school, but all over Duval, so to be considered a top five (candidate) is beyond amazing.”

 

Each teacher received a bouquet of flowers as a part of the surprise. Students and staff at San Jose Elementary showered third grade reading teacher, Stephanie Weathington, with extra roses during her surprise announcement.

 

“I’m over the moon excited, and it’s exciting to be recognized,” said Weathington. “I’m just so happy to be honored here and to have my students to celebrate this moment together.”

 

The last stop was at Douglas Anderson to honor social studies teacher Michael Steinhardt. Like the other finalists, he said he was overwhelmed with excitement.

 

“I saw over 8,000 teachers in Duval County, so to be one of 180 teachers of the year, to then be one of 15 semi-finalists, and now one of five finalists is just insane to think about,” said Steinhardt.

 

All of the teachers said they’re looking forward to the EDDY Awards on Jan. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront where the winner of the Teacher of Year will be announced.

Photo Caption: (clockwise: Aubrey Albaracin, Vincent Taylor, Stephanie Weathington, Michael Steinhardt, and Kimberly Niebauer.)