Broward County Finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year Announced

Honoring Broward's Educators

• 🏆 Broward County Public Schools is set to announce its 2026 Teacher of the Year, recognizing the hard work of hundreds of dedicated teachers across the district.
• 🌟 Local 10's Eric Katzy introduces the finalists, highlighting their commitment to student success and educational excellence.

Denise Moore: Literacy and Resilience

• 💡 Denise Moore, a literacy coach and classroom support specialist at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, focuses on creating a safe and supportive space for her students.
• 🌱 Her passion lies in helping children grow, fostering resilience, and building future leaders.

Maybel Cologne: Supporting Exceptional Students

• 🤝 Maybel Cologne, an exceptional student education support facilitator at Orangebrook Elementary, dedicates her 20+ years of experience to students from pre-K to fifth grade.
• 💖 She advocates for underrepresented students and their families, believing they have immense potential.

Dr. Simma Salala: Inspiring Science Confidence

• 🔬 Dr. Simma Salala, science department head at Plantation High School, tackles student intimidation in science with creative, hands-on lessons.
• ✨ Her goal is to make a lasting impact by helping students grow into confident and valuable citizens.

Alona Tinorino Allen: Engaging First Graders

• 🍎 Alona Tinorino Allen, a first-grade teacher at Pasadena Lakes Elementary, captivates her students with engaging instruction, making them feel like family.
• 🏡 She considers her classroom a second home, dedicating significant time to planning for her students' success.

Fatima Delejon: Perseverance in Science Education

• 🚧 Fatima Delejon, a science teacher at Rickards Middle School, demonstrates resilience by conducting hands-on labs like building DNA models with candy, even amidst ongoing school construction.
• 🧪 Her commitment ensures students receive a valuable learning experience despite temporary classroom limitations.