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Gabriella Hernandez, Walsingham Elementary School
Gabriella Hernandez is a passionate and innovative 3rd grade teacher at Walsingham Elementary whose classroom is a hub of creativity, joy, and academic excellence. In just her second year of teaching, she has transformed traditional instruction into unforgettable learning experiences. Whether it’s turning her room into a donut shop for math and writing, or hosting a poetry picnic to spark student voices, her data-driven instruction has resulted in remarkable student growth, with ELA proficiency jumping from 13% to 70%, and math from 6% to 75% in her first year alone.
Gabby’s impact reaches beyond her classroom. As a team leader and ELA Champion, she shares strategies and opens her doors to colleagues, inspiring even veteran teachers. Grounded in her own love of learning and supported by a dedicated mentor, Gabriella brings compassion, creativity, and high expectations to everything she does. She is a proud Pinellas County Schools graduate giving back to the very community that shaped her, and she is exactly the kind of educator who is changing the future, one student at a time.
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Emma Sandifer, Safety Harbor Middle School
Emma Sandifer, 8th grade history teacher at Safety Harbor Middle IB World School, brings history to life with passion, creativity, and purpose. Whether transforming her classroom into a Paleolithic cave or guiding students through National History Day projects, Emma crafts immersive learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Her interdisciplinary approach of blending art, science, and collaboration into her lessons, sets a high standard for engagement and excellence.
A proud product of Pinellas County Schools, Emma draws inspiration from her own teachers and mentors, especially her former history teacher, Mr. Zuercher (2025 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year), whose influence can be seen in her thoughtful, student-centered practices. She is a safe space for students and a source of wisdom for colleagues, leading initiatives like AVID mentoring, Black History Month programming, and new teacher orientation, all while maintaining high academic expectations and a joyful classroom culture.
Emma is not only a dynamic educator but a builder of community. Her infectious energy, commitment to equity, and tireless advocacy make her an emerging leader in education, and a teacher students will never forget.
