Caitlin Sullivan has been named as the Monroe County School District 2024 Teacher of the Year.  She teaches fourth grade at Gerald Adams Elementary and says she has always wanted to be a teacher.  Her enthusiasm for the teaching, highly effective skills and connection with students are obvious when you watch her in  the classroom. 

“Monroe County School District is fortunate to have Caitlin teaching in one of our classrooms. Her enthusiasm is electric and students are highly charged to do well.  Their enjoyment is clear as they work together and on their own to meet the challenges Mrs. Sullivan gives them.  She is so high performing that the success of her students is obvious as are the wonderful results she creates," said School Superintendent Theresa Axford. 

Sullivan began her career in Monroe County in 2015 as a paraprofessional and went on to earn her degree in Education from the University of West Florida.  Her experiences include teaching English in China for nine months after graduation before returning to Key West. In 2018, she became part of the Gerald Adams Elementary staff as a fourth grade teacher where she has since excelled, becoming an important asset to the school.  Creativity and striving for excellence are evident in her classroom as the walls are adorned with model student work,  active student centers and students focused on doing their best.

"I can attest that her passion for teaching, students, and education is a testament to her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher," said Melissa Alsobrooks, Principal of Gerald Adams. "Her room is full of life and students are engaged, having fun and learning at a deep level that is evident in their attitude towards the classwork and the scores they achieve."

She is not only dedicated and committed to her students in the classroom, she is also a valued volunteer for Special Olympics, coaching stand-up paddleboard, and volunteering to support both flag football and cheerleading. 

"Special Olympics Florida Monroe County is blessed to have such a dedicated coach and volunteer! We are grateful to Caitlin’s contributions in the phenomenal growth of participation within our county," said Ruth Coleman Sports, Training and Competition Manager for Special Olympics Florida-Monroe.

Mrs. Sullivan will represent Monroe County School District in the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year process.  As the district Teacher of the Year, she will attend leadership training throughout the year with other outstanding state teachers and serve as part of the MCSD TOY cohort that provides professional learning across the district.