Monica Benson named 2025 Alachua County Teacher of the Year

Monica Benson, an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Sidney Lanier Center, was named the Alachua County Teacher of the Year for 2025 during a celebration attended by over 600 people. She has been recognized for her commitment to empowering students with exceptionalities, stating that the award represents her students' needs and abilities. At the event, 35 other teacher finalists were honored, each receiving a $500 prize and awards. Notable finalists included Natalie Watkins, a seventh-grade math teacher, and Vanessa Lind, a second-grade teacher. Benson will also represent Alachua County in the statewide teacher recognition program. The event highlighted the profound impact teachers have on their students' lives, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over mere academic gains.