USF Alumna Sarah Ann Painter named Florida 2022 Teacher of the Year

University of South Florida (USF) Alumna Sarah Ann Painter, Elementary Education `02, was named the Florida 2022 Teacher of the Year by the Florida Department of Education.

Painter is a fifth-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School in Pinellas County, Fla. In her more than 18 years of teaching, she has organized common planning and collaboration for fifth-grade teachers throughout Pinellas County Schools and created an open-door policy for colleagues to observe her instructional practices.

Outside of the classroom, Painter is the chairperson for the School Advisory Council, the representative for English language arts and the Connect for Success liaison at her school. In addition to her bachelor’s degree from USF, she has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida.

As the Florida 2022 Teacher of the Year, Painter will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. In this role, Painter will travel throughout the state to recognize and honor the contributions of Florida's teachers and create greater public awareness of Florida's exceptional teachers and the profession.

“The Florida Teacher of the Year award is a highly prestigious honor and Mrs. Painter is well deserving of this recognition,” said R. Anthony Rolle, PhD, Professor and Dean of the College of Education. “Mrs. Painter’s ability to ‘find joy’ during such a challenging school year is a true testament to the dedication educators have for their craft and is an inspiration to pre-service teachers everywhere. We are extremely proud to include Mrs. Painter as a member of the USF alumni family and I look forward to our future conversations during her tenure as Florida Teacher of the Year.”