The Martin County School District (MCSD) and the Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) are proud to announce that Richard Acosta of Pinewood Elementary School has been named the 2026-2027 Martin County Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Acosta was selected from a group of 24 outstanding educators representing schools throughout the District. The announcement was made during the Education Foundation of Martin County’s Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration on November 6, 2026, at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center in Port St. Lucie. The event’s presenting sponsors were Audi Stuart and Infiniti Stuart, along with Cigna Healthcare, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Keiser University. The evening brought together educators, school and District leaders, community partners, and sponsors to recognize the teachers representing excellence in education in Martin County.
“The Teacher of the Year celebration is a special tradition that allows us to pause and celebrate the educators who give so much to their students, colleagues and school communities,” said Superintendent Michael Maine. “We are incredibly proud of all of our school-level honorees and especially proud to recognize Richard Acosta as the 2026-27 Martin County Teacher of the Year. Thank you to the Education Foundation of Martin County and our sponsors for helping make this evening such a meaningful celebration of our teachers.”
“On behalf of the Education Foundation of Martin County, I am thrilled to congratulate Richard Acosta on being named the 2026-27 Martin County Teacher of the Year,” said Kelley Decowski, president of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “We are fortunate to have so many exceptional educators who inspire and empower students every day. Selecting just one to represent Martin County's public schools is no easy task. Mr. Acosta exemplifies the passion and dedication that make our teachers so extraordinary.”
An educator since 1991, Mr. Acosta joined the Martin County School District in 2019 and currently serves at Pinewood Elementary School as the Related Arts-Science teacher. Whether helping students tackle challenging concepts or encouraging them to explore the world through scientific inquiry, Mr. Acosta brings a hands-on approach to learning that connects classroom instruction to real-world discovery.
At Pinewood, Mr. Acosta has helped lead schoolwide STEAM initiatives, chaired the STEAM School Improvement Team, and secured two Martin County Education Foundation grants to support innovative science projects. He also developed a Birds of the Everglades curriculum in partnership with Friends of the Everglades and Inwater Research Group, scheduled to be piloted at Pinewood in fall 2026. His efforts have helped strengthen science instruction and contributed to an increase in fifth-grade science proficiency by 12 percentage points.
“Mr. Acosta exemplifies what it means to be a passionate educator. His love for teaching is evident in every learning experience he creates,” former Principal Susanna Deutsch shared. “His ability to make complex concepts accessible, engaging and meaningful has fostered authentic excitement for learning, with students eagerly sharing their discoveries and newfound knowledge throughout the school.”
In addition to honoring the District’s 2026-2027 Overall Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Audi Stuart and Infiniti Stuart, winners were recognized in the Elementary, Middle and High School categories:
Middle School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by
Education Foundation of Martin County
Miriam Hernandez, Indiantown Middle School – Intensive Reading Teacher
Mrs. Hernandez’s journey with the Martin County School District began in 2006 as a paraprofessional before she became a teacher in 2012. Since joining Indiantown Middle School in 2018, she has served students in a variety of roles, including Spanish and Intensive Reading, building a reputation as a trusted educator who believes deeply in every student’s ability to grow.
“In every role, she has approached her work with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every student is capable of growth and success,” Assistant Principal Kellie Siters shared. “She meets students where they are, builds meaningful relationships with them, and works tirelessly to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.”
High School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Keiser University
Marc Turull, South High School, International Baccalaureate Physics & Chemistry Teacher
An educator since 2007, Mr. Marc Turull has served students at South Fork High School since 2011, where he teaches International Baccalaureate Physics and Chemistry and brings science to life through real-world applications, career exploration and hands-on learning. His commitment extends beyond the classroom through his work with the Engineering Club, First Priority Club and Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentorship Program, as well as annual STEM experiences that connect students with opportunities and careers in their community.
“Marc is widely admired for his ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment,” South Fork High School Principal Jaime Thompson shared. “He believes that every student can achieve at high levels when provided with meaningful, challenging, and supportive instruction–and he brings that belief to life daily in his classroom.”
Elementary Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Cigna Healthcare
Richard Acosta, Pinewood Elementary School, Science Related Arts Teacher
**Winner of the 2026-2027 Martin County Teacher of the Year Award
Spirit Award – Sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities
Felix A. Williams Elementary School
The Spirit Award is distributed annually to the team that displays the most school spirit during the Education Foundation of Martin County's Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration. The winning school retains the title and bragging rights for the remainder of the school year.
To view each school's nominee for this year's award, please click here.