The Martin County School District (MCSD) and Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) are proud to announce that Mrs. Vanessa Molina-Council has been named the District’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.
The winner was announced during the Education Foundation of Martin County’s Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center in Port St. Lucie. The event’s presenting sponsors were Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart, and Alfa Romeo Stuart.
A veteran educator in the Martin County School District, Mrs. Molina-Council has contributed diverse expertise in elementary education, language instruction, and special education support since 2013. As a fourth-grade teacher at Citrus Grove Elementary (CGE), she is known for delivering highly engaging, standards-aligned lessons tailored to the unique learning styles of her students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indian River State College, along with K-6 certifications and endorsements in both English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading, underscoring her commitment to inclusive and comprehensive education.
Mrs. Molina-Council fosters a welcoming classroom environment that promotes academic achievement and social-emotional growth. She collaborates closely with parents, colleagues, and administrators to create a supportive educational experience, organizing events that enrich learning and build a positive school community.
“Vanessa exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator in every aspect of her teaching role,” shared Principal Rose Rynca in her nomination letter. “She consistently develops her instructional craft and is steadfast in her belief that all students will achieve. Her ability to inspire students’ curiosity while integrating innovative teaching methods is truly commendable.”
In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Molina-Council founded the Spanish Club and Cheer Team at CGE, and her class won the 2024 Martin County School District STEM Fair Classroom Project Award. Her community involvement extends beyond CGE; she participates in Keep Martin Beautiful beach cleanups, serves as Vice President of the Martin County High School Tiger Regiment Boosters, and volunteers with the Hidden Oaks Middle School Color Guard.
Inspired to teach from a young age, Mrs. Molina-Council fondly recalls the teachers who profoundly impacted her own educational journey. Today, her passion is renewed by the joy of learning she sees in her classroom and her students’ desire to reach their fullest potential.
Mrs. Molina-Council began her career as an ELL Paraprofessional, where she provided individualized support to English Language Learners, helping students build essential academic skills. “I have been honored to watch her balance the demands of her role as a paraprofessional while attending college classes to earn her teaching degree,” Principal Rynca said. “This dedication and perseverance have been hallmarks of her career, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and providing the best educational experience for her students.”
Superintendent Michael Maine was proud to see Mrs. Molina-Council recognized as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.
"Mrs. Molina-Council embodies the qualities of an extraordinary educator, and her impact on our students and school community is truly remarkable. Her dedication to fostering a supportive, engaging, and inclusive classroom has enriched the lives of her students and inspired colleagues across our district. From her commitment to academic excellence to her passion for creating meaningful connections, Mrs. Molina-Council exemplifies what it means to be an educator. We are incredibly proud to honor her as the Martin County Teacher of the Year."
In addition to honoring the District’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, winners were recognized in the Elementary, Middle and High School categories:
High School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Keiser University
Samantha Pankhurst, Jensen Beach High School, Teacher – AP Human Geography and AP U.S. History
Mrs. Pankhurst has dedicated fifteen years to inspiring students at Jensen Beach High School (JBHS), where she is known for her expertise in social science education and her ability to make history both relatable and engaging for her students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Social Science Education from Florida State University and takes pride in igniting a passion for history in her students, guiding them to connect with events from past centuries through critical analysis and thought-provoking discussions.
An esteemed educator within the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) program, Mrs. Pankhurst empowers her students to think critically, engage in debates, and develop independent analytical skills. Beyond her classroom, she serves as Co-Activities Director at JBHS, overseeing essential logistics such as school-wide scheduling, room assignments, event calendars, and staff recognitions. In addition, Mrs. Pankhurst is Co-Advisor of the Student Council, where she collaborates with students to plan impactful events like Homecoming, Carnival, and Relay for Life, fostering a vibrant school culture and community engagement.
Mrs. Pankhurst is passionate about student advocacy and has been instrumental in helping students create clubs tailored to their interests, such as Women in STEM and the National Science Honor Society, ensuring that each student finds their place on campus. As the chairperson of JBHS’s Faculty Council, she actively supports faculty well-being, working to enhance staff morale and cultivate a positive work environment.
Outside the school year, Mrs. Pankhurst dedicates her time to evaluating AP Exam essays, contributing to educational standards on a national level. Her community involvement further extends to active roles in the Parent, Teacher, Student Associations at Felix A. Williams Elementary and Stuart Middle School, demonstrating her commitment to education beyond the walls of JBHS.
"As a freshman, taking your first AP class is extremely scary,” said former student of Mrs. Pankhurst Grace Dictor. “You don’t know what to expect, and the AP test at the end of the year is like this looming wall of doom. Mrs. Pankhurst, throughout the entire year, made sure we were ready in every single way... When the AP test finally came, it felt like I had taken it several times before.
“Mrs. Pankhurst is a professional and encourages students to think beyond books to solve problems and become leaders,” said Principal Lori Vogel. “She is dedicated to our students and works diligently to differentiate curricula for all students. The students in her classes benefit from her details to planning as they are prepared for the rigor of college or real-world careers.”
Middle School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities
Alicia Carter, Hidden Oaks Middle School, Teacher – Creative Writing, Digital Media, and Physical Education
Mrs. Alicia Carter has brought her passion for education and dedication to student success to Hidden Oaks Middle School (HOMS) for the past two years, following a successful nine-year tenure as an elementary educator at Citrus Grove Elementary. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Mrs. Carter has made a significant impact on the HOMS community, particularly through her innovative approach to student-led initiatives. She established a school-wide news program that empowers students to develop media skills by filming, editing, and producing content—a project that has quickly become a hallmark of HOMS.
Mrs. Carter’s commitment to student engagement and wellness also led her to create the HOMS Running Club, providing a positive outlet for students to build confidence and camaraderie. Her inspiration is fueled by her students, some of whom she has had the unique opportunity to teach both at the elementary and middle school levels, enabling her to foster long-lasting connections and provide unwavering support.
Reflecting on Mrs. Carter’s impact, former student Jon-Michael Tillet shared, “Mrs. Carter has taught me numerous life lessons that I will carry with me forever. Her dedication to her students’ success, both academically and personally, is truly admirable. She has been there to offer support, guidance, and encouragement, making a lasting difference in our lives.”
“Alicia used her endless energy to keep students engaged with competitions, rewards, and positive praise,” said Natalie Walters, a colleague of Mrs. Carter. “She empowered her students to achieve learning gains above and beyond what was anticipated. “Alicia is superhuman.”
Mrs. Carter’s dedication to advocacy and connection exemplifies her lasting commitment to her students’ academic and personal growth, leaving a profound and enduring impact at Hidden Oaks Middle School.
Elementary Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Cook Shell Contractors
Vanessa Molina-Council, Citrus Grove Elementary School, Teacher – 4th grade
**Winner of the 2024-2025 Martin County Teacher of the Year Award
Spirit Award – sponsored by The Education Foundation of Martin County: Felix A. Williams Elementary School
The Spirit Award is given to the team who shows the most school spirit during the EFMC Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration.
To view each school's nominee for this year's award, please click here.
Watch a recap of the magical evening: