Middle school English teacher wins 2026 Pinellas County Schools’ Teacher of the Year

The Brief

  • James B. Sanderlin’s Denise White was named PCS Teacher of the Year Wednesday evening.
  • Thursday morning, her students and the entire school were there to greet and celebrate her as she arrived in a limo.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Pinellas County has crowned its 2026 Teacher of the year. Denise White, a sixth and seventh grade English teacher at James B. Sanderlin K-8 School was named the winner Wednesday evening.

The Pinellas Education Foundation honored 10 finalists at its annual Illuminate: Evening of Excellence.

Thursday morning, White arrived to campus in style in a limo with her students, co-workers and the entire staff ready to celebrate her. Students lined up with pom poms and signs cheering for White as the limo dropped her off.

What they’re saying:

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