PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Education Foundation of Martin County announced its Teacher of the Year winners during a special celebration on November 3 at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center. Joshua Perry of Crystal Lake Elementary School took top honors and was named the 2023-2024 Martin County Teacher of the Year.  He will go on to represent Martin County in the state competition to become the Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year.  

 

Devin Carlson, partner and general manager of Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart, the event sponsor, presented Perry with his award.

 

The Education Foundation also recognized Joy Kastanias of the Treasure Coast Classical Academy, who won the middle school category, and Kyle Gorton of South Fork High School, the high school category winner. In all, there were 24 nominees competing for the top spots.

 

In addition, Bessey Creek Elementary won the Spirit Award, which was based on its theme, costumes, props and enthusiasm. 

 

Perry is currently a fifth grade teacher of gifted students at Crystal Lake Elementary. He began teaching there in 2017. He also serves as the head coach of the Anderson Middle School girls’ basketball team and an assistant coach of South Fork High School’s girls’ flag football team.

 

“Having a positive impact on the next generation is what inspires me,” said Perry. “I consider myself a beacon of light for my students — not out of arrogance, but out of joyful acceptance of the onus that comes with this profession.”

 

Kastanias began teaching at Treasure Coast Classical Academy in 2019 as a fifth grade teacher and now teaches upper school literature to middle school students.

 

She said, “There are many things I could cite that provide inspiration to me as an educator, however, it is the interaction with students that motivates me the most. Middle schoolers are incredibly funny, creative, and often offer insight I cannot see.”

 

Gorton has been teaching at South Fork High School since 2018. Her classes include Pre-IB Algebra 2 Honors, IB Applications and Interpretations Year 1, IB Applications and Interpretations Year 2 and Leadership. She also serves as the student government advisor and head coach of the girls cross country and track teams.

 

“For me, inspiration comes from building meaningful relationships with students and seeing them thrive academically, emotionally and socially,” said Gorton. “Seeing students develop confidence, resilience, and a love for learning reinforces the importance of my role as an educator.”

 

In addition to Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart, & Alfa Romeo Stuart as the presenting sponsor, top sponsors included MIDFLORIDA Credit Union – elementary school category sponsor; Publix Super Markets Charities - middle school category sponsor; and Keiser University - high school category sponsor.

 

The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, mentoring programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.

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