The Regional Economic Educator & Leadership (REEL) Awards honors outstanding teachers across Florida that deliver personal finance and economic education in their classrooms each day. In partnership with four of our affiliate Centers for Economic and Financial Education – the University of South Florida in Tampa Bay, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Florida Atlantic University and Miami Dade College – REEL takes a closer look, at a local level, at a teacher’s achievements, leadership, and commitment to economic and financial education. These factors will determine the nominations, and after careful review, our REEL teachers.
CONGRATULATIONS 2026 WINNERS
Charles C. Harper Economic Educator of the Year
Emily Raska
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Program Advisor of the Year
Julie Branch
Charlotte High School
Nabeeha Ali
Arthur Allison
Shannon Dennison
Madalyn Dimas
Valerie Gore
Carla Hollis
Jessica Morey
Norman Risoya
Laurel Stevenson
Nicol Stewart
Michael Tolar
Donetta Woodard
Jason Aiken
Eneida Alvarez
Osma Castro
Mackeral Etienne
David Ghensassia
Nicole Hanna
Anthea Jackson
Travis Kelly
Monika Moorman
Antoinishe Sands
Audrey Spicer
Furshelia White
Alysia Williams
Raquel Wilmot
Janika Brice
Ja'Keshia Brown
Yakeshia Elmore
Eric Fields
Fidelis Makunike
Alexander McVeigh
Karen Moore
LaQuanda Paschal
Andi Petit-Perrin
Mozella Raines
Laura Russell
Linette Sanders
ShaRhonda Walker
Keith Astuto
Guillermo Cancio
Mia Esposito
Ruth Henry
Ann Marti
Edgar Menendez
Patricia Nunez-Santiesteban
Yusimi Perez
Deanna Rodriguez
Maurice Soriano
Leonardo Valmana
Jamie Acree
Samuel Brown
Michkayla Dandreano
Benjamin Donetelli
Jennifer Giannone
Kenneth Gilreath
Allen Gowan-Smith
Dr. Anedra Johnson
Adam Klopper
Joelle Kostecki
Olena Spridgeon
Laura Von Staden
Charles C. Harper Economic Educator of the Year
Honoring one outstanding K-12 educator that is seen as an advocate for economic and personal finance education and who seamlessly integrates it into their coursework. Named for Charlie Harper, longtime director for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Miami, the award provides a $1,000 stipend for the winning teacher.
(Photo: 2025 Winner: Dr. Kesha Walton, Sandalwood High School and Prof. Neil Schreiber, FSCJ)
Recognizing one K-12 educator who has implemented one of the FCEE’s programs or resources in their classroom over the last school year.
This award provides a $500 stipend for the winning teacher.
(Photo: Professor Neil Schreiber from FSCJ & 2024 FCEE Program Advisor of the Year, Janika Brice, Jean Ribault High School, Duval County)
FCEE Program Advisor of the Year
How are the REEL Teachers picked?
Unlike previous awards ceremonies, most of the REEL Teachers will be chosen by their local Centers
Each Center will determine eligibility within their region – this varies from region to region
Criteria could include workshop attendance, FCEE program participation, school or district leadership, awards and recognition
No projects will be required or accepted for this year’s programs
What are the REEL Awards?
The REEL Awards program will be individually hosted at each of the three participating Centers for Economic and Financial Education in partnership with local sponsors, the Federal Reserve, and the FCEE
REEL Awards will include cash prizes and a celebratory meal for winners and their guests
Each Ceremony will honor educators from K-5, Middle School and High School
How do I know if I am a REEL Teacher?
Each Center and/or the FCEE will be reaching out to individuals with invitations to attend if they are a finalist
Events are invite only, but all winners can expect to bring a plus one
What if my local Center isn’t participating/I don’t have a Center/ I wasn’t chosen by my Center this year… am I excluded?
Not necessarily! Two of our BIGGEST awards are open to ALL teachers statewide! We will still be looking for our Charles C. Harper Economic Educator of the Year and our FCEE Program Advisor of the Year recognizing their outstanding participation and proven success utilizing the various programs the FCEE provides. See details below.
Participating Centers
Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education
Center on Economic and Financial
Education at FSCJ
Center for Economic Education at
Miami Dade College
Florida Atlantic University Center for Economic Education
Thank You To Our Sponsors
