TALLAHASSEE, FL — Recently the Florida Department of Education announced Dr. Clayton Nylund, a teacher at Howard W. Blake High School in Hillsborough County, as one of the five 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists. The five state finalists were chosen from 74 district teachers of the year. The 2025 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a gala in Orlando on July 25, 2024.
“Congratulations to Dr. Nylund on his selection as one of the five finalists for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year award,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Dr. Nylund shows his students how much he cares by ensuring they grasp the importance of science in their daily lives.”
Teacher of the Year finalist, Dr. Clayton Nylund, along with Hillsborough County Superintendent, Van Ayres, Howard W. Blake High School Principal Valerie C. Newton, and Florida Department of Education Public Schools Chancellor, Dr. Paul Burns, holding a sign.
Dr. Clayton Nylund, Hillsborough County
Dr. Clayton Nylund teaches physics and engineering to 9th-12th grade students at Howard W. Blake High School in Hillsborough County. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the University of Montana, his Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida.
Dr. Nylund’s doctoral dissertation focused on mathematical achievement and funding within a sample of schools in the Artibonite Department of Haiti. This led him to co-found a non-profit organization focused on adequate funding for schools in the Republic of Haiti, and he led numerous medical and relief trips to the country following the 2010 earthquake and cholera outbreak.
The 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists were chosen from more than 185,000 public school teachers. After each school district selects its teacher of the year, a committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community reviews each district application on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service. The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.
In partnership with the Florida Education Foundation, the Florida Teacher of the Year program is made possible by these generous sponsors: Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans, Florida State University College of Education, Helios Education Foundation, HCA Healthcare, The Florida Lottery, Florida Power & Light Company, Herff Jones, Publix Super Markets Charities and PNC Bank..
For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.
