District Newsroom

Nov. 22, 2024 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

VCS announces Top 5 Teacher of the Year finalists 

DELAND – Volusia County Schools is excited to announce the top five finalists for our 2026 Teacher of the Year. 

The finalists were chosen by a committee made up of parents, business owners, community members, teachers and administrators. 

• Katie Evans, fourth grade teacher, Citrus Grove Elementary 

• Melissa Tse, English language arts teacher, Creekside Middle School 

• Shilpa Sharma, ESE teacher, Galaxy Middle School 

• Jeremy Davies, math teacher, Spruce Creek High School 

• Kelli Chehaitli, gifted teacher, Tomoka Elementary School 

“Congratulations to our top five Teacher of the Year finalists, each of whom exemplifies what it means to be an amazing educator,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. “Our school district and students are so fortunate to have these teachers leading the way and guiding our students toward success.” 

What’s next? The winner will be announced on Jan. 11 during a banquet, presented by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools and sponsored by AdventHealth, at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. 

Who is the current Teacher of the Year? Emily Fagerstrom of Champion Elementary School is our 2025 Teacher of the Year. The math instructional coach represents Volusia County in the state’s Teacher of the Year program. 

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Volusia County Schools’ vision is to create life-long learners prepared for an ever-changing global society. The VCS Strategic Plan: www.vcsedu.org/strategic-plan. 

Media Contact: 
Sarah Lux MA, MPIO, PIO3-AH 
Public Information Officer 
Community Information Services 
Volusia County Schools 386-734-7190, ext. 20227 
SMLux@volusia.k12.fl.us