The Okaloosa County School District honored the incredible Teacher of the Year candidates last week at our annual Teacher of the Year banquet. Congratulations to Katrina Brownsburger (Brominguez), an amazing ELA and Speech and Debate teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, on being named the District's Teacher of the Year and who will represent OCSD in the state competition this Spring!
Superintendent Marcus Chambers expressed gratitude to the Okaloosa County Education Association, and everyone involved in ensuring Ms. Brownsburger has the opportunity to represent Okaloosa County at the state level this spring in Tallahassee. "Ms. Brownsburger's dedication and success inspire all of us, and we are honored to have her represent the incredible educators of Okaloosa County," he said.
The district also recognized runners-up: Ms. Brittney Stein, who teaches 8th grade Pre-Algebra at Pryor Middle School, and Ms. Shalytha Payne-Blevins, an English teacher at Crestview High School.
Every Teacher of the Year candidate plays a vital role in their school's climate and culture. We deeply appreciate all our teachers' hard work and dedication to making a difference in our students' lives. Congratulations on being selected to represent your school!
Selection of the Teacher of the Year begins in the fall when each faculty announces its honoree. In December, each school’s Teacher of the Year submitted a portfolio that includes a resume, statements about their teaching philosophy and practice, and insights on the profession. Finalists are announced in December. Selection committee members visit finalists’ classrooms to observe them before selecting the Teacher of the Year.
Okaloosa County’s Teacher of the Year will compete with teachers from 71 public school districts and other institutions in Florida (FL) for the state’s top honor. As our district’s winner, the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year will participate in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Roundtable and the Macy’s Gala Awards Ceremony where the Florida Teacher of the Year is announced.
Thank you, Okaloosa County Education Association, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and all our amazing sponsors for making this evening memorable for our teachers and their families!
Pictured above, left to right are Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Schools, Katrina Brownsburger, Fort Walton Beach High School, Shalytha Payne-Blevins, Crestview High School, and Brittney Stein, Pryor Middle School.
Katrina Brownsburger, Fort Walton Beach High School – Teacher of the Year
Katrina Brownsburger, a distinguished educator of 9 years, excels in English and Debate education. Passionate and innovative, she has achieved high test scores and championed debate at Bruner Middle School, Fort Walton Beach High School, and across the Panhandle. As one of 10 state-selected debate ambassadors, she designed CPALMS curriculum and expanded debate teams from 6 to 64 schools in Northwest Florida, securing many large grants and scholarships and consistently placing high at tournaments. Katrina’s dynamic project-based learning through community engagement helps her take education beyond the classroom turning public speaking skills into student-designed and student-led community service.
Shalytha Payne-Blevins, Crestview High School – Finalist
Shalytha Payne-Blevins, originally from Newton, Mississippi, graduated from Mississippi State University with her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education English. She recently graduated from the University of West Florida (UWF) with her master’s degree in educational leadership. Shalytha started her teaching career as a sixth and seventh grade English teacher at Carver Middle School in Meridian, MS. She became Carver Middle School’s Language Arts Department Chair, Spelling Bee Committee Chair, TST Committee Member, and Leadership Team Committee Member. She also worked part-time with Meridian, Mississippi’s local Boys and Girls Club tutoring and mentoring children of all ages. At Crestview High School, she teaches AICE General Paper and serves as the English Department Chair, PBIS member, and SLT member.
Brittney Stein, Pryor Middle School – Finalist
Brittney Stein discovered her gift of teaching as a young student, often finding herself teaching her classmates. She went on to pursue her bachelor’s in Middle Grades Math Education. After stepping away from education to raise her family, Brittney felt she was being “called” back into the classroom. She returned to teaching in 2021 and spent 4 years teaching math at Pryor Middle School. Brittney has consistently led the district in student learning gains and changes in proficiency, growing the lowest performing students to unimaginable heights. Brittney’s mission is to help bring hope of a better future to all learners.
Congratulations To Our School Teachers of the Year!
Faith Fogerty, Antioch Elementary School
Faith Fogerty graduated from the UWF with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology and a BA in Humanities. She then earned a master’s in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Faith began her career as a mental health counselor before transitioning to education. She has been teaching elementary students with varying disabilities for the past 12 years. She believes that relationships are the key to helping students grow, both individually and academically. Faith is proud to represent Antioch as teacher of the year and is thankful to her family and colleagues for their support.
Demeika McClendon, Baker School
Demeika McClendon is a proud product of Okaloosa County Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the UWF. At Baker School, Demeika teaches Career Technical Education (CTE) Criminal Justice Operations and 911 Public Safety Telecommunications. Her creative approach to teaching promotes fun, growth, and a classroom community. Mentorship and building student confidence are also important to her. She is committed to student success beyond the classroom. She humbly thanks her family, the CTE program, and Baker educators for helping her achieve this honor. As always, Go, Gators!
Taryn Peterson, Bluewater Elementary School
Taryn Peterson's journey as a "career changer" started in 2020 when her family received orders to Okaloosa County. Her priority as a 3rd grade teacher is to empower and encourage all her students. She is grateful to serve as the Hope Squad Advisor, Lego League Coach, a member on the Social Committee, and an avid PTO volunteer. Taryn is blessed to have the unwavering support of her husband, Peter, and of her children, Olli and Izak. She is inspired daily by the dedicated staff at Bluewater and is humbled by this recognition.
Elizabeth Irby – Bob Sikes Elementary School
Elizabeth Irby was born and raised in Crestview, FL and earned her degree in Elementary Ed. from FSU. She is in her 18th year and currently teaches 4th grade math & science. She is passionate about helping her students reach their goals inside and outside the classroom. Her emphasis on attitude, effort, and work habits are foundational to her students' long-term success. She thanks her husband Clint and their daughters, Olivia and Emma. Their love and support are instrumental to her accomplishments as an educator. She would also like to thank her family for Bob Sikes Elementary School. She is honored to represent them.
Jeanette Sanderson – Bruner Middle School
Jeanette Sanderson was raised in the military and graduated from the Hardin County school system in Ohio. In 1996, she moved to Navarre, FL, and attended UWF earning three degrees in education. She was hired in 2002 as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher at Bruner Middle School. For the past 22 years, she's taught ESE Science and Math, co-taught science, English Language Arts (ELA), math, and social studies. Currently she is a push-in for ELA and Communication/Behavior/Socialization (CBS). She has coached cross country, girls' soccer, and tennis for the past 12 years, and serves as gradebook manager and grade level chair
Donna Moorer – Choctawhatchee High School
Donna Moorer hails from Pensacola, FL, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1978 and from Pensacola State College in 1980 with an associate in science (A.S.) degree. Donna enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1980 and was active duty for 12 years. She was stationed in Korea, England, Cocoa Beach, FL, Great Falls, Montana, and Wichita Falls, Texas. Donna earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Great Falls and a master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University. Donna has been at Choctaw High School in the ESE department since 1993.
Toni Toney – Davidson Middle School
Toni Toney is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She holds a master’s degree in human resource management and a Specialist Degree in Educational Technology. Toni entered the education field in 2006 and joined the CTE department at Crestview High School where she taught Web Design 1&2, and Digital Information Technology. In 2009, she moved to Davidson Middle School and has been there for the past 15 years teaching Web Design, Coding Fundamentals, and Research classes.
Rebecca Reed – Destin Elementary School
Rebecca Reed was a military child and eventually settled in Florida. She went to Ruckel Middle School and Niceville High School. She graduated from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. She started her teaching career in a 1st grade classroom in Jacksonville, FL. She taught 1st grade at Kenwood Elementary School. For the last 10 years she has been at Destin Elementary School as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher. This is her 20th year teaching and she loves her students. Her whole life she has wanted to be a teacher and never saw herself doing anything else.
Myra Haley Kirby – Destin Middle School
Haley Kirby is a dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience inspiring students and colleagues. Married for 25 years, she is a devoted mother to three children and a proud G-Mommy to her granddaughter and cherishes family time. Her faith guides her interactions, as she strives to embody the love of Christ in all she does and grow as a servant leader. Outside of teaching, Haley enjoys reading, beach outings, hosting family gatherings, and playing fetch with her rescue dog, Lilo. And as always, Go Marlins!
Becky Holtery – Edge Elementary School
Becky Holtery began her involvement at Edge Elementary School as a substitute teacher because her children attended. She fell in love with the family-like culture and before she knew it, 10 years flew by of teaching kindergarten, 1st grade, and now 4th grade math and science. She has a Bachelor's in both Marine Biology and Ecology as well as a master’s in education. She looks forward to the precious memories to be made with her school family and her own family. Her priority is creating the perfect balance between both.
Bryant Capehart – Edwins Elementary School
Bryant Capehart's journey began in North Carolina, but he made Florida his home as a teenager. A 2006 graduate of Choctawhatchee High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and the UWF. He began his career in Okaloosa County Schools in 2016 at Silver Sands School, working as a para before discovering his passion for special education. Now a Kindergarten CBS teacher at Edwins Elementary School, Mr. Capehart also tutors, co-sponsors the Minority Council, and assists with archery. He is dedicated to providing a supportive, inclusive environment for all students.
Destinee Ford – Eglin Elementary School
Destinee Ford is in her 6th year of teaching and is honored to represent Eglin, where she has been teaching for 3 years. She has taught kindergarten for one year and students with exceptional needs for 5 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education from UWF. A recent graduate from WGU, she also earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She credits her parents for instilling a passion for learning and is grateful for her son, Zomari, and husband, Zach, for supporting her.
Shakira Oswald – Elliott Point Elementary School
Shakira Oswald is a proud product of the Okaloosa County School District. Soon after graduation, she met the love her life while working a summer job before heading off to New York for college. They soon married and began a family. In the thick of life, she completed her education degree at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). She has happily been teaching 1st grade at Elliott Point for 14 of her 15 years in this profession.
Montrealle Parker – Florosa Elementary School
Montrealle Parker's classroom environment promotes fun, growth and sense of family, engaging students in critical thinking and creating life-long learners. She has been teaching for 7 years and currently teaches 4th Grade Math and Science. She has served as department chair, School Advisory Council (SAC) member, and cooperating teacher/mentor for future educators. She served 24 years in the US Air Force, then earned her Elementary Education degree from Northwest Florida State University. Montrealle enjoys spending time with family and giving back to the community through her church and sorority.
Laura Thames – Kenwood Elementary School
Laura Thames is in her 19th year of teaching. During her teaching career she has enjoyed the privilege of working with elementary and middle school students. She is currently the Title Math Teacher at Kenwood Elementary School. She is dedicated to instilling confidence in her students by turning challenges into skills, questions into insights, and by building relationships through value and acceptance. Laura has 3 children that graduated from Okaloosa County Schools, and she also has 5 grandchildren. Laura and her husband enjoy taking walks, watching sunsets, and time with family and friends.
Wanda Cooper – Laurel Hill School
Wanda Cooper has been the CTE-Information Technology (IT) teacher at Laurel Hill School for 18 years. She attended Troy University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration /finance. She completed the Educator Preparation Institute program before a career change to teaching and has helped students obtain industry certifications, Florida-Ready-to-Work credentials, a HSU Educational Foundation Teaching Excellence award winner, coached basketball, and co-sponsor the Multicultural Club.
Morgan Stokes – Lewis School
Morgan Stokes grew up as the youngest of seven children in Florala, Alabama. She earned her bachelor’s degree with Summa Cum Laude distinction in English Language Arts Education from Troy University in the fall of 2019. Morgan began her teaching career and joined the Falcon family in the fall of 2020. She is in her fifth year of sharing her love of literature with eighth graders, her third year as the middle school ELA department chair, a member of the Equitable Duty Committee, Lewis Literacy Leadership team, mentor teacher, sponsor of the Lewis Flight Scholars, and coach for Lewis Cross Country.
Taylor Munley – Longwood Elementary School
A child of the Air Force and product of Okaloosa County Schools, Taylor Munley focused the first 8 years of her career on behavior and academics at a local autism center before being welcomed to Longwood Elementary School for the last 4.5 years. With a Masters in ESE and her previous experience, she strives to create a welcoming and engaging environment for children of all backgrounds and has taken on several leadership roles at Longwood including mentoring and being a Hope Squad Advisor. It is her hope that students will leave her class inspired and empowered to be the best humans they can be.
Allison Alley – Mary Esther Elementary
Allison Alley is a proud product of Okaloosa County Schools where she graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 2009. She graduated from NWFSC in 2018 and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in creative writing at Liberty University. She has been teaching 4th and 5th grade at Mary Esther Elementary and coaching the Academic Team for the last 6 years. She is honored to work alongside her dream team everyday while building relationships with all of her students.
Kristin Hanson – Meigs Middle School
Kristin Hanson was born in Ohio where she knew she was going to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and be an educator. Her first 8 years were in Ohio where she founded a theatre program, was the volleyball coach and part of the Building Leadership Team. Kristin moved to Florida and took a position at Bruner Middle School before moving to Meigs Middle School. Since there, she’s been the Mathematics Department Head and Chair of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team. Kristin is honored to receive this recognition and will continue to strive to be a positive role model for her students, teachers and staff.
Samantha Bollhalter – Niceville High School
Samantha Bollhalter is a product of Okaloosa County School District, graduating from Niceville High School in 2006. She graduated from Florida State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in social science education and from UWF in 2013 with a master’s degree in educational leadership. She has been teaching for 9 years and currently is in her 4th year at Niceville teaching AICE European History and Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics. She feels extremely grateful and honored to represent Niceville as their teacher of the year and would like to thank her family, friends, and administrators for their unwavering support.
Melody Pittman – Northwest Florida Ballet Academie (NFB)
Melody Pittman is a product of the OCSD who has a passion for life-long learning. This led her to earn five college degrees, majoring in Dance and Education. It was her dream to teach at NFB. Therefore, Melody says she is "Living the Dream.” Melody is honored to be NFB Teacher of the Year and represent the top-ranked school in the district. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support throughout her 20 years of teaching in the OCSD. When Melody's not working her magic of teaching young minds, you can literally find her dancing, spinning fire, or performing magic of her very own!
Joe Ballreich – Northwood Elementary School
Joe Ballreich became a Northwood Cougar in 2015 as a Physical Education assistant. He quickly moved into a Title 1 reading assistant position and soon realized his dream as a second-grade teacher. Despite a background in graphic design, he has always felt drawn to teaching, and now, seven years later. He's a passionate fourth-grade teacher. Known for creating a safe, supportive classroom where every student’s growth is celebrated, he inspires a love for learning, especially in literacy. Joe’s commitment to making a difference shines as he shows up every day ready to support and guide his students to success.
Skylar Harsson – STEMM Academy
Skylar Harsson is incredibly honored to be recognized as teacher of the year at STEMM this year. While he is currently in his sixth year of teaching middle school, it's only his second year here in Okaloosa County. After starting his career in education in Sevierville, Tennessee, he moved to Crestview in the summer of 2023 with his wife Shelby. They're grateful to have found a home here. In his current post, Skylar teaches 7th Grade English and sponsors the new e-sports program. He's proud to be a representative for the tremendous group of first-class educators at the Okaloosa STEMM Academy.
James Welch – Okaloosa Technical College
James Welch is a dedicated Automotive Instructor at Okaloosa Technical College, where he has been sharing his expertise for over 7 years. With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, James brings a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to his students. His passion for teaching and commitment to fostering the next generation of automotive professionals make him a respected figure in both the classroom and the industry. He believes so strongly in mentoring students that he even supports his students beyond graduation, so they are sure to be successful in their career.
Abbie Wilbourne – Plew Elementary School
Abbie Wilbourne is a passionate art teacher with a true gift for encouraging her students to become artists. Abbie has dedicated over 26 years to teaching, 19 years in regular education, and the last 7 years excelling at her dream job of exploring art with her "amazing artists". In addition to educating our youth, she enjoys boating, spending time with family, and growing relationships with everyone she meets. She is always exploring new ways to create art. Abbie is committed to helping students realize they are all artists and can make a mark in our world regardless of their level of talent.
Calvin Jasper – Richbourg School
Calvin Jasper was born in Richmond, Virginia. He studied Music Education, from which he received his bachelor's degree, at Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, Virginia. He earned his Entertainment Business Master of Science from Full Sail University, in Winter Park, Florida. Calvin gives credit to his father, Calvin Jasper Sr., mother, Shelia Ashburn Patterson, and his grandmother, Eleanor Barnes, for it was these people who would raise him, show him kindness, give him a sense of duty and love for others, and help him make the choice to follow the fulfilling path of Music Education.
Jessica Amador – Riverside Elementary School
Jessica Amador grew up in Okaloosa County and is a graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School. She is in her fifth-year teaching at Riverside Elementary and currently teaches 4th grade ELA. Jessica strives to create a positive learning environment that will help every student become a confident learner. She also aims to instill a love for reading in all students. Jessica loves being active in her school and serves on several committees, volunteers with the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), and helps run Student Council. She is honored to represent Riverside Elementary and looks forward to many more years of teaching.
Ashley Kempton – Ruckel Middle School
Ashley Kempton started with the district as a classroom assistant before becoming a teacher. She has taught 6th and 7th grade math, Foundations of Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I Honors and has been teaching 6th grade math at Ruckel since 2018. Ashley is on the Equitable Duty and Pep Rally Committees, and an OCEA Building Representative. She has been married for 21 years with 3 children, two still in the school district. Ashley is thankful for the support of her family and colleagues throughout her career. She is honored to have been selected as Teacher of the Year for Ruckel Middle School.
LaTisa Carrington – Shalimar Elementary School
LaTisa Carrington, a passionate educator and U.S. Air Force veteran, has been a 1st-grade teacher for three years and currently serves as the 1st Grade Department Chair at Shalimar Elementary. She holds a B.S. in Social Science from the University of Arizona and an M.Ed. from the University of West Florida. LaTisa promotes an inclusive, growth-focused classroom, championing the “power of yet” to inspire students to see challenges as growth opportunities. She expresses gratitude to her Shalimar colleagues and family for supporting her commitment to teaching.
Desiree Angilletta – Shoal River Middle School
Desiree Angilletta, a New Jersey (NJ) native and graduate of Montclair State University, has been an educator for 13 years. She began her career teaching Kindergarten in NJ before joining the Okaloosa County School District in 2019. In 2021, she started teaching 6th grade ELA at Shoal River Middle School. She enjoys the energy and humor that her students bring to the classroom. Desiree serves as the ELA department chair and a member of the school leadership team. She feels honored to work alongside the talented educators in Okaloosa County and is proud to represent Shoal River Middle School.
Desiree School – Silver Sands School
Desiree Scholl earned her alternate certification at Gulf Coast State College and began working at Silver Sands as a substitute in 2018. This was her first time working in a special-needs classroom. She loved the experience and knew that this was where she needed to be. Silver Sands students are generous, kind, and hard-working. The support and care at Silver Sands makes it feel like a family. She couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Mrs. Scholl is honored to be selected by Silver Sands as Teacher of the Year 2026.
Kaitlyn Thomason – Southside Primary School
Kaitlyn Thomason is an Inclusive Preschool Teacher at Southside Primary School. As an educator she is committed to creating an environment where all students feel loved, safe, and worthy of accomplishing their goals. Kaitlyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from Bowling Green State University in 2016. She has a passion for special education and has spent six of her nine years as an educator working with students with disabilities. Kaitlyn is a mentor to new teachers and spends time outside of school tutoring students in reading.
Julie Brethauer – Walker Elementary School
Julie Brethauer graduated from Crestview High School in 1987, received her B.A. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood at UWF. She has been teaching at Walker Elementary School for 32 years where she has taught all grades K-5. She enjoys watching her Kindergartners learn and grow while encouraging a love for learning through positive relationships and multi-sensory activities. Julie feels blessed to have worked alongside amazing admin, teachers and staff over the years. She thanks the teachers at Walker for this honor, as well as her parents for their example as educators and is grateful to her husband and family for their continued love and support.
Ryan Maxey – Wright Elementary School
Ryan Maxey is honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year for Wright Elementary. With over 13 years of teaching experience, she has made a significant impact on her students and teaching community. Her passion for Special Education is evident in her advocacy for her students. Ryan is also committed to her school community, actively participating in PTO, tutoring, and various committees. Her dedication to education and the Wright family has not only transformed lives but has also inspired fellow educators. She embodies the qualities of a true leader and advocate for student success.