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Gibbs High School teacher Dennis Zuercher is Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year
Jan. 27, 2025
Dennis Zuercher, a social studies teacher at Gibbs High School, was named the 2025 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year. The award was announced at the Evening of Excellence ceremony, hosted by the Pinellas Education Foundation at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.
Zuercher will be entered in the state Teacher of the Year competition, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.
A third generation Pinellas educator and proud Gibbs High alum, he has a deep-rooted passion for history and teaching. His classroom motto is "Learn and laugh together!"
When Superintendent Kevin Hendrick announced his name, Zuercher appeared absolutely flabbergasted.
"This speech would be a lot easier if you were all teenagers," joked Zuercher, before congratulating fellow finalists and thanking virtually everyone who supported him, his school and his students.
He made a special point of thanking his family, his parents, who fostered a love of reading, and his middle school teacher. Then, he shared his teaching philosophy.
"As teachers, we have responsibilities to inspire students to excellence. This is not limited to academics. We must equip them with the skills they need to succeed, problem-solve and navigate the world. Every student who walks through our classroom is capable of excellence, and it's our job to help them see this. We may have to push, pull, shove, nudge and do whatever it takes to get them there, but every child is worth it," Zuercher said.
Zuercher teaches AP US History, AP Government and Politics and US History at Gibbs High School, where he has served since 1998. He previously taught AP Human Geography.
As chair of the Social Studies Department, he oversees curriculum development and supports fellow educators. He also serves as the director of the Gibbs High School History Museum, curating exhibits, leading a volunteer committee, and managing the museum’s social media presence. He has also been the advisor for the National Honor Society since 2017.
“Dennis Zuercher ensures his students leave his classroom with the skills to succeed and the confidence to chase their dreams. As a proud 1987 alum of Gibbs High School, Zuercher is dedicated to creating a classroom where students are valued and inspired to learn,” said Superintendent Hendrick. “As the director of the Gibbs High School History Museum, Zuercher also plays a vital role in preserving the school’s legacy for future generations.”
“All 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year embody excellence in teaching, making the selection process incredibly challenging. We celebrate Dennis Zuercher and all our teachers for their unwavering dedication to achieving 100% student success,” Hendrick added.
Zuercher has been a Pinellas educator for more than three decades, serving as a teacher, mentor, and leader in the educational community. He began his career with Pinellas County Schools at Bay Point Middle School, after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida. In 2023, he was selected to serve as a Florida Civics Literacy Facilitator.
"A special congratulations to Dennis Zuercher for being named the 2025 Teacher of the Year. A third-generation educator in our district, he has spent over 30 years teaching, leading, and mentoring. His relentless dedication has helped shape the minds and lives of countless Pinellas County students,” said Kim Jowell, Chief Executive Officer of Pinellas Education Foundation.
All Teacher of the Year finalists were honored at the Evening of Excellence. The other finalists were Brandy Ashby, Campbell Park Elementary; Judith A. Deeley, Ed.D., Dunedin High; Brittany Fuller, Clearwater Fundamental Middle; Kelly Hefty, Azalea Elementary; Tarik Mowatt, Meadowlawn Middle; Kaley Olles, Safety Harbor Middle; Natalie Steratore, Curlew Creek Elementary; Jill Shircliff, Osceola Middle; and Carrie Snyder, Belleair Elementary.
Zuercher's prizes will include a ride to school courtesy of His & Hers Limousines; 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; $1,000 cash award from the Pinellas Education Foundation; an Outstanding Educator Ring from Balfour and more.
The Evening of Excellence was made possible by presenting sponsor Aetna, diamond sponsors DITEK, Raymond James, Suncoast Credit Union, and gold sponsor Ajax Building Company. Many additional community and corporate sponsors contributed to the event and finalist prize packages.