Three Sarasota County educators received a surprise visit Friday morning when the annual Teacher Tribute Bus Tour rolled up to their schools with big news—they’re this year’s finalists for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. This year’s finalists are: Becky Hoffman, Pine View School, 5th grade teacher, Holly Pisaturo, McIntosh Middle School, Art teacher, Andy Harshman, Sarasota High School, AP Capstone Research, AICE Global Perspectives A Level, and Experimental Science Honors (MaST Research Program Director). The celebratory bus tour, organized by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, included district administrators, past Teachers of the Year, sponsors, school board members, and Education Foundation patrons and staff. The group traveled on a bus donated by All Around Charters & Tours, making three stops to surprise the honorees with flowers, cheers, and applause from students, colleagues, and family members.  The district’s Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Sarasota County Schools in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program throughout 2026.

To learn more, visit