OKEECHOBEE- After spending the 2020-2021 school year visiting Florida school districts and schools and serving as an ambassador for public education across the state, Krista Stanley will return to Yearling Middle School in July as an instructional coach.

Krista was chosen as the 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year back in August of 2020. It marked the first time an Okeechobee County School District teacher has been selected as a Florida’s Teacher of the Year in 30 years.

"I want to to say thank you," said Krista on a Zoom call in August shortly after learning she had been chosen. "I couldn't do what I do without all the support in my district. My administrators supported and helped me become the educator I am today. My colleagues, family, and husband really support me and allow me to be myself. I love my job and am truly honored and humbled."

In addition to serving as  goodwill ambassador representing the Department of Education and teachers throughout the state, Krista was given the chance to award a student with a two-year scholarship worth $8,000. After setting criteria and getting recommendations from teachers, she chose Okeechobee freshman Mykah Stotler

“Everything Mykah’s teachers said was something I thought about her when she was in my class in sixth grade,” said Krista. “Her commitment to continuously growing is like no other. It’s such a privilege to be able to give her this.”

Now Krista will be adding to her contributions to Yearling Middle School and Okeechobee County Schools in a new, expanded role.  

Formerly a sixth-grade math teacher, she will replace  Brande Cobb, who is leaving Okeechobee County Schools after years of providing strong instruction and leadership to accept a position with Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School.  Teaming with Kellyann Campbell, Krista will complete a tandem of instructional coaches that also represent YMS' and  Okeechobee County School District's last two county teachers of the year.  

"Having Mrs. Stanley return home to YMS and teaming with Mrs. Campbell to work together as the school's instructional coaches creates a dream team of instructional coaches," said Principal David Krakoff.  "As YMS continues to strive for instructional growth and excellence, it will have two master teachers and leaders coaching other teachers and impacting the quality of instruction and learning in every classroom on campus."