The Florida Literacy Association (FLA) would like to recognize and congratulate Teri Koehler of Martin County Public Schools, as the FLA 2019 Teacher of the Year. A graduate of the University of North Florida, Ms. Koehler has served the students of Martin County for over a decade. Currently a second grade teacher at Warfield Elementary, Ms. Koehler has a classroom of emerging bilingual students, many of whom have been in the United States for less than a year, and she is able to guide them in their educational success.

Described by her coworkers as dedicated, encouraging, enthusiastic, positive, and a valuable mentor to others, Ms. Koehler has changed the lives of both children, their families and other educators. Ms. Koehler was chosen as the 2011-12 Warfield Elementary Teacher of the Year.

With the goal of helping students believe in themselves, Ms. Koehler’s student typically become more confident in their abilities, develop a strong work ethic and believe they can do anything they set their minds to. This mindset is evident by the student data.  During the 2018-19 school year, and with 66% of the students having been in the United States for less than a year, the students in Ms. Koehler’s class had an average learning gain of 56 points on the I-Ready Diagnostic and an average growth of six levels on the Fountus and Pinnell Reading Growth Assessment.

It is with gratitude and appreciation that the Florida Literacy Association congratulates Ms. Teri Koehler for her strong commitment to the students of Martin County as well as the excellent example she is to her fellow educators across the state of Florida.

Pictured from left to right: Lory Reddel (FLCA Treasure), Christine Lipham-Thomas of Kathleen Middle School in Polk County, Stephanie Brooks of Riverside Elementary School in Orange County, Mellissa Teston ( FLCA President).

The Florida Literacy Association (FLA) K-12 Literacy Teacher of the Year Award is presented to an individual in the K-12 education system who has made significant contributions in the teaching of reading and literacy with the goal of increasing student success and building the joy of reading in all children they serve.