Seminole County Public Schools Announces Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year

Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is proud to announce its 2026 Teacher of the Year and 2025 District Employee of the Year winners. These outstanding individuals exemplify excellence, commitment, and passion for serving SCPS students, families, and our community.
 
Bailey Hocker, an ESE teacher at Endeavor School, has been named the 2026 SCPS Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hocker possesses a unique talent for creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that serve as a foundation for her instruction. Her ability to form trusting relationships with her students and to use innovative teaching methods in her classroom have led to remarkable academic growth. Ms. Hoker has earned the respect and admiration of both colleagues and families alike. Each day she enters her classroom, she connects with students on a personal level, fosters a sense of belonging and encourages them to reach their full potential.
 
Karla Romanik, a paraprofessional at Bentley Elementary School, has been named the 2025 SCPS Employee of the Year. Ms. Romanik has a gift for comforting anxious children, turning tears into laughter with a silly voice during morning routines, leaving them eager to learn and engage. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Romanik’s commitment to service shines as she assists students in need, even walking a child home to ensure their safety. Her colleagues and families admire her positivity, kindness, and extraordinary ability to uplift those around her.
 
“Ms. Hocker and Ms. Romanik are shining examples of the incredible talent we have in SCPS,” said Superintendent Serita D. Beamon. “Their passion for student success, innovation, and connection is what drives our mission forward. We are proud to have them represent our district at the state level.”
 
Both Ms. Hocker and Mr. Romanik will now represent SCPS at the state level, competing for the Florida Teacher of the Year and the Florida Employee of the Year titles, respectively.
 
SCPS would like to recognize all of our incredible teacher and employee of the year honorees for their dedication and service to our students each day.