Five educators from Broward County Public Schools have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year Award, chosen from thousands of teachers across the district for their exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact on student success.
The finalists represent a wide range of grade levels, subject areas, and professional backgrounds, but share a common passion for teaching and service.
Dr Saima Sanaullah, a science teacher at Plantation High School, brings more than 14 years of experience to the classroom. A former dentist, Sanaullah made a career change to education and has since helped raise biology proficiency at her school by 26 per cent.
“Being an educator allows me to be in students’ life journey and make an impact every day so that they can be successful both academically as well as socially,” she said.
Ilona Tinerino-Allen, a first-grade teacher at Pasadena Lakes Elementary, has spent more than 25 years in education. She is credited with developing programmes that support academic growth and promote positive behaviour among young learners.
“I come in here, I teach every day, I enjoy my students,” Tinerino-Allen said. “I get satisfaction out of knowing that I made a difference in somebody’s life. No price tag can be placed on that.”
Mabel Colon, an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Orange Brook Elementary, is recognised for her inclusive teaching practices and commitment to students with disabilities. In addition to supporting student growth, she mentors new teachers and leads school initiatives.
“I chose to work with this population of students because they’re often underrepresented,” Colon said. “What drives me every day to come into this classroom is knowing that my presence matters, my impact is felt.”
Fatima de Leon Casco, a science educator and department head at James S Rickards Middle School, has helped boost the school’s science achievement rate by 12 per cent, with an 86 per cent pass rate on the biology end-of-course exam. Teaching at her alma mater, Casco said being nominated is especially meaningful.
“Being grateful for the same community that watched me grow up, giving back to them,” she said, describing the experience as surreal.
The fifth finalist, Denise Moore, is a literacy coach at Dr Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School in Lauderhill. She is known for driving strong learning gains in English Language Arts and leading key school improvement initiatives.
“I just became a teacher because I remember my old sixth-grade teacher — she was phenomenal,” Moore said. “How can I make them more critical thinkers, how can I prepare them for the real world? That’s what I think about when I walk into the classroom.”
The 2026 Caliber Awards ceremony, where Broward County’s Teacher of the Year will be announced, is scheduled for February 6 at the Broward County Convention Center.
While only one will ultimately take the title, district officials say all five finalists exemplify the commitment, patience, and passion that define outstanding educators in Broward County Public Schools.
