‘He loves coming to work’: Florida Teacher of the Year celebrated in Lake Butler
By Kayla Lewis
People in Union County are celebrating one of their own: Economics and American Government teacher Mark Harrison.
“We’ve always known how fabulous he is, but now other people in the State of Florida recognize that as well,” shared Marcie Tucker, principal of Lake Butler Middle School.
Harrison was selected as the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year.
“Mr. Harrison brings energy and enthusiasm every day. He loves coming to work,” said Julie Denson, principal of Union County High School.
He teaches at Union County High School, and also serves as the Civics and Debate team sponsor, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. When Harrison is out of the classroom, he still makes sure to help out by driving a school bus for the school.
“Mr. Harrison would come in and help us strip floors on his summer off, no pay. He’s just a genuine person,” shared custodian Fawn Kingsbury.
As the 2026 winner, he receives a $50,000 award as well as a two-year Florida college scholarship he can present to a student of his choice.
“We’re still soaking it in right now, especially for a small county such as ours, to have the teacher of the year for the entire state to be ambassador for education for the next year, we’re on cloud nine,” said Union County Schools Superintendent Mike Ripplinger.
On top of all of that, he is receiving a tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree from the Florida State University College of Education.
“If you’re ever down in the dumps as an administrator, doing all that paperwork, you’re going to go in his office, where he’s teaching, because he reminds you of the why of why you’re here, because he just does that,” Tucker shared.
After the celebration, people had the chance to attend the community-wide back-to-school bash.
Harrison will spend the next year away from Union County High School as he travels around the state giving inspirational speeches and helping other teachers in different school districts.