Orlando, FL — October 15, 2025 — The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is proud to announce Nicole Leon, an English Literature teacher, Department Head, and Instructional Coach at True North Classical Academy in Miami-Dade County, as the 2026 Florida Charter School Teacher of the Year.
The announcement was made during a special reception (photos below) on October 15 at the Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit in Orlando, Florida. Special guests included Ms. Shereen Reid, 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year; Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice; Vicki Piñeda, Charter Schools Director, Florida Department of Education; and Joseph Chisholm, FCSA board member. The award recognizes an outstanding educator whose commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success exemplifies the very best of Florida’s public charter school community.
Nicole Leon teaches 4th and 6th-grade Literature and has earned a reputation for her dynamic teaching, leadership, and deep commitment to student growth. Her principal, Chereen Coile, describes her as “a cornerstone of our faculty and a guiding light for our scholars,” noting that Ms. Leon “leads her students to some of the highest reading scores in the state—but her impact goes far beyond academics. She teaches students to think critically, communicate effectively, and listen with empathy and respect.”
As the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Nicole Leon will serve as an ambassador for Florida’s public charter school movement and will represent the sector as a nominee for the next Florida Department of Education’s Florida Teacher of the Year program. Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director of the Florida Charter School Alliance, praised Leon’s selection, stating: “Teachers are the lifeforce of a school. Nicole Leon represents the heart of what makes a school successful —unwavering dedication, student-centered innovation, and a profound ability to inspire. She’s not just helping students succeed academically; she’s shaping thoughtful, confident citizens.”
This year’s finalists reflected the diversity and excellence of Florida’s charter school landscape, with each nominee coming from a unique academic program and approach. In addition to Nicole Leon, the 2026 finalists included: Angeles Boniche, Lead Math Teacher and Department Head at C.G. Bethel High School in Miami-Dade, is recognized for her results-driven leadership and transformative work with at-risk students; and Callie Moore, 5th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Dale R. Fair Babson Elementary in Polk County, is celebrated for her compassionate teaching and role in building a unified, respectful school culture.
Finalists were selected from among more than 20,000 charter school educators statewide, nominated by their school leaders and evaluated on leadership, student achievement, and peer recommendations. The annual award honors teachers who go above and beyond to elevate classroom learning, inspire students, and strengthen school communities.
