SARASOTA, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2023) – Timothy Ferguson, a music teacher at Garden Elementary School, was named the 2023 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Ferguson, who has taught music for 20 years in New York and Florida, will represent district teachers throughout the 2023 calendar year and serve as the Sarasota County Schools nominee for state Teacher of the Year. 

During the event, Amber Rylak, a physical education teacher at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, was recognized as the Innovation Teacher of the Year. This award honors teachers who use new, exciting lessons and strategies to meet their students’ unique needs and prepare them for the 21^st century.  

“It’s so important for us to show appreciation for our teachers and all of their hard work,” commented Chris Renouf, Acting Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “Our educators pave the way for their students’ current and future success through their compassion, expertise, and genuine love of teaching and learning. We are thrilled to join the Education Foundation to honor our teachers!” 

Each year, thanks to generous donor support, the Education Foundation hosts this exciting event, which brings together exceptional teachers and their families, school and district administrators, local politicians, and business and community leaders. This year’s event was held at the Venice Community Center. 

The award celebration was emceed by the 2021 and 2022 district Teachers of the Year, both of whom were top-five Florida Teacher of the Year finalists, Kari Johnson and Dr. Jennifer Jaso. Guest speaker George Couros, author of “Because of a Teacher: Stories of the Past to Inspire the Future of Education” and other books, discussed the power of teachers and the vital role they play in the lives of their students.   

Leading up to the announcement of the teacher of the year, videos showcased Ferguson as well as his fellow district Teacher of the Year Award finalists—Joseph Conner of Venice Middle School and Courtney Smith of Booker High School.  

“These celebrations are vital for teachers—and for our community,” said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation. “No matter the circumstances, teachers do so much for their students and truly keep Sarasota County thriving. This event reflects our deep, abiding support for all the amazing educators across the district.” 

Thanks to the presenting sponsor, Sunset Automotive Group, the Education Foundation presented Ferguson with a $5,000 cash award and Conner, Smith, and Rylak with gifts of $2,500 each. 

During the ceremony, all 41 Teacher of the Year Award recipients representing schools across the district were honored and celebrated. All received cash gifts of $250 thanks also to Sunset Automotive Group. 

The Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration was made possible by presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group and gold sponsors Publix Charities and Suncoast Credit Union. The Education Foundation is grateful for their generosity and support of teachers.