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Kenwood Elementary’s Kimberly Day-Scanlon named Okaloosa County’s ‘Teacher of the Year’

Kimberly Day-Scanlon will represent the district in statewide competition after receiving the honor for her work with students who have unique learning needs.

Jared Williams

Kimberly Day-Scanlon, a 4th and 5th-grade ESE CBA teacher at Kenwood Elementary, was named Okaloosa County School District’s 2027 Teacher of the Year at a banquet Tuesday night.

Day-Scanlon earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and a 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.”

Kimberly Moran, an art teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, and Sarah Theres, a music teacher at Florosa Elementary School, were named runners-up.

Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers, left, poses with 2026 Teacher of the Year honorees. From left: Chambers, runner-up Kimberly Moran of Fort Walton Beach High School, 2026 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Day-Scanlon of Kenwood Elementary, runner-up Sarah Theres of Florosa Elementary School, and Michael Dingess. (OCSD)

Day-Scanlon was selected from 38 nominees, with each of the district’s schools putting forward one teacher. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes excellence one year in advance. Selection for the 2027 honoree began in 2025 when each school faculty announced its Teacher of the Year.

In December, each school’s honoree submitted a portfolio that included a resume, statements about their teaching philosophy and practice, and insights on the profession. Finalists were announced in December, and Selection Committee members visited finalists’ classrooms to observe them before selecting the Teacher of the Year.

As the district’s honoree, Day-Scanlon will compete 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.

The district acknowledged support from the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, the Okaloosa County Education Association, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and various sponsors.

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