Sarasota, FL - Ronnique Major, a fifth-grade teacher at Emma E. Elementary School, was named the 2024 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

A product of Sarasota County Schools who has taught elementary school students for 30 years in Maryland and Florida, Major will represent district teachers throughout the 2023 calendar year and will serve as the Sarasota County Schools nominee for state Teacher of the Year.

Haley Brown, of Pine View School, was recognized as the Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Dennis Pinna, of North Port High School, was recognized as the High School Teacher of the Year.

Josette Ortega, a third-grade teacher at Dreamers Academy, was named the Innovation Teacher of the Year. She was honored for the innovative, hands-on learning she uses to inspire her students and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.   

“Our teachers work diligently every day to provide for the educational needs of their students,” noted Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “It is important for us to take time and show our appreciation for their tireless commitment to cultivating success and excellence in our school communities. We are grateful to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for sharing in this celebration and supporting all of our wonderful Teachers of the Year.”

The Education Foundation hosts this event each year through the support of its generous donors. The celebration brings together remarkable 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.

Kari Johnson, the 2021 district Teacher of the Year and a Florida Teacher of the Year finalist top-five finalist, emceed the event. Each finalist was also highlighted in a video and introduced by last year’s Teacher of the Year finalists and Innovation Teacher of the Year.   

“It is such an honor to celebrate these exceptional teachers,” said Jennifer Vigne, President and CEO of the Education Foundation. “They represent everything that makes this school district special. Their professionalism, dedication, and sheer love of nourishing young learners is so inspiring.

“The Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration serves as a reminder each year about the vital role of teachers and the deep community support for all they do.”

Thanks to the presenting sponsor, Sunset Automotive Group, the Education Foundation presented Major with a $5,000 cash award and Brown, Pinna, and Ortega with gifts of $2,500 each.

All 46 Teacher of the Year Award recipients representing schools across the district were honored and celebrated. Through the support of Sunset Automotive Group, all recipients received cash gifts of $250.

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

About the Education Foundation of Sarasota County

The Education Foundation sponsors the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration in partnership with Sarasota County Schools. For 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County (EdFoundationSRQ.org) has supported students and teachers because education transforms lives. As a champion for life readiness, the Education Foundation provides personalized, comprehensive resources and relationships so that students can find their purpose and progress intentionally through their K – 12 schooling. Its mission is to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy.