The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) proudly announces Ms. Kimberly Day-Scanlon of Kenwood Elementary as the district’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Day-Scanlon serves as a 4th and 5th-grade ESE CBA teacher and brings a deep commitment to education and student success. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and her Master of Science in Inclusive Education/Special Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York.
“Ms. Day-Scanlon exemplifies the heart of teaching in Okaloosa County,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Her dedication to students, particularly those with unique learning needs, reflects the very best of our profession. She represents the compassion, skill, and excellence we see every day in classrooms across our district, and we are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year.”
“Ms. Day-Scanlon exemplifies the heart of teaching in Okaloosa County,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Her dedication to students, particularly those with unique learning needs, reflects the very best of our profession. She represents the compassion, skill, and excellence we see every day in classrooms across our district, and we are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year.”
OCSD also extends sincere congratulations to the 2027 Teacher of the Year runners-up:
• Ms. Kimberly Moran, Art Teacher, Fort Walton Beach High School
• Ms. Sarah Theres, Music Teacher, Florosa Elementary School
This year, 38 outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees, one from each OCSD school, proudly represented their campuses and the district as a whole. Each nominee demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and a commitment to student achievement that continues to strengthen Okaloosa County schools. The Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year program recognizes excellence one year in advance. Selection for the 2027 Teacher of the Year began in 2025, when each school faculty selected its Teacher of the Year. As the district’s honoree, Ms. Day-Scanlon will represent Okaloosa County in the competition against educators from 71 public school districts and other institutions across Florida for the state’s top teaching honor. She will also participate in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Roundtable and attend the Macy’s Gala Awards Ceremony, where the Florida Teacher of the Year is announced. OCSD extends its appreciation to the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, the Okaloosa County Education Association (OCEA), the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and the district’s generous sponsors. Their continued support uplifts educators and reinforces the district’s shared commitment to excellence in education.
Video of the Teacher of the Year celebration is available at the following link:
