Caring, positive, inspirational. That’s how students describe Pinellas County Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year Denise White.

White, a beloved teacher at James B. Sanderlin K-8 IB World School, was named Teacher of the Year at the Evening of Excellence ceremony. The celebration, hosted by the Pinellas Education Foundation, was held Jan. 21 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.

She will be entered in the state Teacher of the Year competition, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.

For more than three decades, White has been committed to educating Pinellas students. Her motto, “Be Awesome Today,” isn’t just a slogan. It reflects her commitment to giving her students the best day possible every day.

“I want them to be proud of themselves, and I want them to be as successful as they can,” said White in a recent interview. “I just want them to look forward to their time in my space and know that they have me in their corner.”

Her students feel her passion. They say she encourages them to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams.

“She's taught us to never give up, and hard work always tops talent,” one student said. “So you could be really good at reading, but if you don't practice reading, you're never going to get better.”

Principal Carrie Cormier sees the same spark. She calls White a “natural teacher-leader” and “champion for children,” praising her ability to boost student achievement.

“She truly cares about kids and their learning and creates innovative ideas to ensure that all students shine,” Cormier wrote in a recommendation letter.

A lifelong resident of Pinellas County, she graduated from Northeast High. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida in 1993 and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Florida in 2010.

Her teaching career began in 1994 at Woodlawn Elementary School, where she also served as a math and science curriculum coach. She achieved National Board Certification in 1999 and was selected for the first cohort of Pinellas teachers in the Lastinger Program.

After eight years at Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary, she joined Sanderlin, where she initially taught fifth grade before transitioning to middle school. Beyond the classroom, she sponsors several school clubs, including the Girls on the Run Club, the Creative Writing Club, and the Boys Read Club.

“For decades, Denise White has devoted her career to helping students grow by igniting their curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Her passion, joy, and belief in each child have shaped generations. We are honored to celebrate her as the 2026 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “To all of our Teachers of the Year, your dedication and unwavering commitment to students and families embody the very best of who we are as a district. You show us every day what is possible for every child.”

It’s an honor to celebrate teachers and the dedication they bring to their profession, said Kim Jowell, Chief Executive Officer of the Pinellas Education Foundation.

“The excellence they demonstrate in the classroom shapes students’ lives and strengthens our community," Jowell said. "Congratulations to all this year’s outstanding finalists. It’s especially powerful to recognize Denise White as the 2026 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year, whose roots in Pinellas County reflect generations of pride and a lifelong commitment to the district that shaped her journey.”

All finalists for Teacher of the Year were honored at the Evening of Excellence, including Bobby Coston Jr. (Campbell Park Elementary), Kathleen Earle (Dunedin High Middle), Kira Guyotte (John Hopkins Middle), Adam Kersey (Palm Harbor University High), Christine Marr (Shore Acres Elementary), Brian Minkin (Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg), Jennifer Narkier (Ozona Elementary), Gina Sciolino (Ponce de Leon Elementary), and Mariangelie Vazquez Llanis (Garrison Jones Elementary).

White’s prizes include a five-night Hawaiian getaway, courtesy of Astro Skate Family Fun Center, a luxury weekend car rental from Crown Automotive, a cash award from the Pinellas Community Foundation, a $1,000 cash award from the Pinellas Education Foundation, and an Outstanding Educator Ring from Balfour.

The Evening of Excellence was made possible by presenting sponsor Aetna, and distinguished sponsors Raymond James, Suncoast Credit Union, DITEK, Ajax, and AD Morgan. Many additional community and corporate sponsors contributed to the event and finalist prize packages.