Citrus County teacher Autumn Crabtree receives statewide recognition as a 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist

Tallahassee, Florida – A local educator in Citrus County is gaining statewide recognition for her commitment to student success and hands-on learning. The Florida Department of Education has announced that Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School, is one of five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award.

Crabtree’s selection places her among the top educators in the state, chosen from a pool of 76 district-level Teachers of the Year. The announcement was made on May 16 by the Department of Education, and the final winner will be revealed in July. If named Florida’s Teacher of the Year, Crabtree will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, a role that involves traveling around the state to inspire and advocate for teachers and students alike.

“Autumn Crabtree is a dedicated and talented culinary arts teacher,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “She strives to make her classes dynamic and relevant, ensuring her students gain real-world knowledge and skills that translate into career readiness.”

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Crabtree has been recognized for her exceptional ability to connect technical instruction with real-life applications. She brings both professional and academic experience to the classroom, holding a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University. In addition to her culinary arts certification, she is also certified in Middle Grades Mathematics and Family and Consumer Science.

According to Citrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, Crabtree’s influence in the classroom goes beyond recipes and cooking techniques.

“Ms. Crabtree possesses a rare combination of technical expertise and an innate ability to connect with her students,” said Hebert. “She consistently demonstrates her passion for teaching, her commitment to her students’ success and her remarkable ability to create an engaging and enriching learning environment.”

Crabtree’s classroom is known for being a space where students not only learn culinary skills but also gain experience that prepares them for careers in hospitality, food service, and beyond. Her lessons are designed to be hands-on, practical, and inspiring—instilling confidence in students who may be seeking a direct path into the workforce.

Every year, each of Florida’s 67 school districts selects a Teacher of the Year, and from that pool, a panel of judges reviews applications to select five state finalists. The review committee includes representatives from the education field, parents, business leaders, and community members. The criteria for selection include instructional quality, student engagement, commitment to professional development, and service to the school and community.

This year, nearly 175,000 public school teachers across Florida were eligible for consideration, making Crabtree’s selection an especially impressive achievement.

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The Teacher of the Year program is run in partnership with the Florida Education Foundation and supported by several organizations and businesses committed to education. These sponsors include the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan, Florida Lottery, Florida Power & Light Company, Publix Super Markets Charities, Helios Education Foundation, Sunshine Health, PNC Bank, HCA Healthcare, and others.

As the state awaits the final selection, students, staff, and families at Crystal River High School are already celebrating Crabtree’s accomplishment. Her recognition reflects not only her dedication, but also the strength of the Citrus County school system and its support of career-focused education.

Crabtree’s journey from teacher to state finalist is a reminder of the profound impact educators can have on their students’ futures. Whether she is crowned the official Teacher of the Year or not, her influence in the classroom is already shaping lives in meaningful ways.