Fruitville Elementary Educator Named Sarasota Teacher Of The Year

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Kari Johnson, a kindergarten teacher in her 15th year at Fruitville Elementary School, was named the 2021 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.

The annual tribute to teachers throughout Sarasota County is hosted by the Education Foundation in partnership with Sarasota County Schools. This year’s celebration of educators, held Thursday, was a virtual event because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the school district said in a news release.

It was important to find a way to recognize this year’s winning teacher despite not being able to celebrate in person, Education Foundation President Jennifer Vigne said.

“Our teachers work hard and give their all to our students every year, but during the pandemic they have been called on to achieve new levels of flexibility and commitment — and they have risen to and above the challenge,” she said.

Johnson will represent district educators throughout the 2021 calendar year and will serve as the district’s nominee for state Teacher of the Year, the school district said.

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Other finalists for the honor included Samantha Miller of Sarasota Military Academy Prep, Emily O’Brien Swope of Alta Vista Elementary School and Becky Satterly of Booker High School.

The Education Foundation presented Johnson with a $2,500 cash award and Miller, O’Brien Swope, and Satterly with awards of $1,250 each.

The Ignite Education Innovation award also was presented to Stephanie Vlahakis of Wilkinson Elementary School at Thursday’s virtual event. The award recognizes a Teacher of the Year who is creative in approach, willing to think outside the box and able to connect students with learning in unique ways, the school district said.

The 45 Teacher of the Year designees representing their respective schools also were recognized.

“My sincerest thanks to Dr. Laura Kingsley and her team (and) the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for ensuring that this beloved event could still continue this year, even amidst the pandemic,” Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen said. “It is a busy time for all, but we should never be too busy to stop and celebrate our teachers. I continue to be amazed – though not at all surprised – by the resiliency, talent and compassion that our teachers invest in their students and their work every day. I couldn’t be prouder of all of our Teachers of the Year, especially our 2021 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Kari Johnson.”