BCPS honors outstanding educators and employees as Dr. Saima Sanaullah of Plantation High School is named 2026 Teacher of the Year

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Broward County Public Schools turned the spotlight on excellence Friday night as educators, staff members and community supporters gathered for the 2026 Caliber Awards, an annual celebration that honors the people who help shape student success across the District. The red-carpet event, held February 6 at the Broward County Convention Center, blended glamour with gratitude, recognizing dedication that often unfolds quietly inside classrooms, offices and school hallways.

More than 1,100 guests filled the venue, including educators, business leaders, civic partners and families, all there to celebrate more than 500 nominees whose work has made a measurable difference in Broward County schools. From teachers and principals to support professionals, the evening culminated in the recognition of 16 finalists and the announcement of the District’s top honorees for 2026.

At the center of the celebration was Dr. Saima Sanaullah, a science teacher and department chair at Plantation High School, who was named Broward County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. With more than 14 years of experience teaching advanced academic and honors-level courses, Dr. Sanaullah has built a reputation for pairing high expectations with thoughtful, data-driven instruction.

Her impact can be seen in student outcomes. Under her leadership, Biology End of Course proficiency at Plantation High School rose from 37 percent to 63 percent, contributing to an overall improvement in the school’s performance grade. Colleagues describe her as an instructional leader who embraces innovation while fostering a positive culture that supports both students and fellow teachers.

As the District’s top educator, Dr. Sanaullah will receive a package of cash and prizes, including a Honda vehicle of choice with a paid two-year lease, provided by the Rita and Rick Case Automotive Group. The award reflects not only her classroom success, but also her broader influence as a mentor and leader within her school community.

The Caliber Awards also recognized leadership beyond the classroom. Principal of the Year honors went to Cormic Priester of Rock Island Elementary School, whose student-centered vision has helped transform her campus. Under Priester’s guidance, the school saw gains in attendance, enrollment and academic performance, earning an “A” rating for the first time since 2009.

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Priester is known for building strong collaboration among staff, setting high expectations and using data to guide decisions. She has also focused on supporting families by connecting them with essential resources, strengthening the school’s role as a community anchor. Her approach has helped Rock Island Elementary create an environment where students feel supported and challenged to succeed.

Assistant Principal of the Year was awarded to Anna Koltunova of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Koltunova was recognized for her role in strengthening instructional systems across the school and driving notable gains in student achievement. During periods of transition, she helped guide the school forward while expanding advanced academic opportunities and reinforcing a culture of collaboration.

Her leadership has played a part in positioning Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School among the District’s top-performing schools. Colleagues point to her resilience and steady focus on student success as defining traits of her work.
The Caliber Awards also shine a light on the essential contributions of school and district employees who support learning behind the scenes. This year’s School/District Employee of the Year was Vanderbilt Carpenter III, a security specialist at Deerfield Beach High School.

With experience as a behavioral technician, campus monitor and crisis management professional, Carpenter is known for going above and beyond to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. His calm presence, dedication and care have made a lasting impression on the Deerfield Beach High School community, reinforcing the idea that student success depends on a strong network of support.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn praised all of the honorees and nominees, emphasizing the collective impact of their work across the District. “These honorees represent the very best of Broward County Public Schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “Their passion, innovation and unwavering commitment to students inspire excellence across our District. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary contributions and grateful to all our partners for their invaluable support, which made this celebration possible.”

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Support from community and business partners played a central role in making the evening possible. Co-presenting sponsors BrightStar Credit Union and the Broward Teachers Union were joined by a wide range of organizations committed to education, including Aetna, the Broward Education Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company, JetBlue, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Royal Caribbean Group and Sunshine After School Childcare, among others.

The Caliber Awards are more than a single night of recognition. They serve as a reminder of the daily effort required to educate more than a quarter-million students across Broward County. From classrooms and campuses to district offices and support services, the honorees reflect the many ways dedication and leadership show up in public education.

As the evening concluded, BCPS extended congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners, recognizing that each plays a role in elevating educational excellence throughout the District. For students, families and the broader community, the Caliber Awards stand as a celebration of the people who help make learning possible every day.