Florida schools stop to recognize top teachers A roundup of Florida education news from around the state. Â Â Chardae Duffy was named Hillsborough County's Ida S. Baker Diversity Teacher of the Year during a live-streamed celebration of educators. Several Florida school districts recognized their top teachers at events on Jan. 21. 2020. [ Hillsborough County school district ] Published Jan. 22 Teachers across the state and nation have had it rough the past several months. Theyâve often struggled to cope with ever-changing rules and regulations established because of the coronavirus pandemic, finding themselves needing to improvise as they go. Flexibility and creativity has been the name of the game. All along the way, theyâve attempted to gain protections from the virus for themselves and their students. Many have felt under-appreciated. The teacher of the year honor barely can scratch the surface when it comes to giving educators their due. But itâs a step that many districts took this week, as a way to acknowledge the importance of the people who educate our children every day despite the obstacles. Read on for that and other Florida education news.