Booker Elementary teacher named Sarasota's Teacher of the Year

Ronnique Major, a fifth grade teacher at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, has been named the 2024 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. 

She was honored during the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

A product of Sarasota County Schools who has taught elementary school students for 30 years in Maryland and Florida, Major will be the SCS nominee for Florida Teacher of the Year. 

In addition, Pine View School’s Haley Brown was recognized as Middle School Teacher of the Year, and North Port High School’s Dennis Pinna as High School Teacher of the Year. Josette Ortega, a third-grade teacher at Dreamers Academy, was named the Innovation Teacher of the Year.   

Presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group awarded Major with a $5,000 cash prize and Brown, Pinna and Ortega with gifts of $2,500 each. 

“Our teachers work diligently every day to provide for the educational needs of their students,” said SCS Superintendent Terry Connor in a news release. “It is important for us to take time and show our appreciation for their tireless commitment to cultivating success and excellence in our school communities.”

The Education Foundation annually hosts the event each year with the support of its donors.

“It is such an honor to celebrate these exceptional teachers,” said Education Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Vigne in the release. “They represent everything that makes this school district special. Their professionalism, dedication and sheer love of nourishing young learners is so inspiring.”