Caring, positive and inspirational — that’s how students describe Denise White of James B. Sanderlin K-8 IB World School. This year, she was named 2026 Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County Schools, recognizing more than three decades of dedication to local students. A proud Pinellas County native, White was honored at the Evening of Excellence hosted by the Pinellas Education Foundation at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. She will now advance to the state competition sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.

TBPM: What does being named 2026 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year mean to you?

DW: When I first started teaching in Pinellas County Schools in the early 90’s, this was something I dreamt of, and shortly before my father died in 1996, he told me he knew that one day I would be “Teacher of the Year.”

Dreaming of it, aspiring to maybe one day be it, does not compare to the honor of actually being named Teacher of the Year, an honor multiplied by the fact that Pinellas County is my lifelong home and Pinellas County Schools the place where I’ve spent the entirety of my career. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of my life.

TBPM: Your classroom motto is “Be Awesome Today.” What does that mean in your classroom?

DW: For me, being awesome each day is not a reach toward perfection, but an acknowledgement that we all have the power to make each day an awesome day. I want my students to see challenges as opportunities to rise above and be awesome in the effort they give. I want them to understand that our mindset shapes how we experience each day.

TBPM: After more than 30 years of education, what will continue to inspire you?

DW: The biggest inspiration for me is seeing my students succeed and have a true sense of feeling supported, as it reminds me why I chose to become a teacher.

TBPM: Students say you encourage them to challenge themselves. Why is that important?

DW: One of the things I say to them when I must have hard conversations with students about motivation and effort is, “Would I be doing my job if I just let you be?” They understand that it is my job to push them. My principal has referred to me as a “warm demander” which I think is very fitting description.

I am firm and consistent in the structure I provide for my students because I’ve witnessed that children will absolutely rise to your expectations and your belief in them once they come to understand that behind those demands, you are in their corner and want the best for them.

TBPM: You sponsor several clubs on campus. Why is that important to you?

DW: At this moment in my life, I have the time to give more to my school community. When my son was younger, as with other colleagues with small children, that wasn’t always the case. But now he is rounding the corner to the end of high school. It is important to me to support and encourage students while continually building relationships that stretch beyond the time they spend in the classroom with me.

The things that happen beyond the school day are important moments that greater sense of belonging for students can often keep them motivated and inspired to be their best.

TBPM: What advice would you give parents who want to support their child’s learning?

DW: Establishing consistent routines and expectations for your child at home is a big piece of school success. Where they put their school things. When and where they do their homework. That TV, music and phones are off while doing school tasks like homework and reading.

Bedtimes on school nights with no access to phones and technology once in bed. Even having things ready for a smooth morning as you get them ready and out the door. When students come into the building organized, well rested, and their day is already off to a positive start, it sets them up for a good day at school and focused engagement in their learning.

TBPM: How do you build confidence in students who doubt themselves?

DW: The biggest confidence builder I’ve found is reminding students repeatedly that I believe in them and the faith I have that they can do well. I make sure to let them know I notice when there is improvement or that I see them giving greater effort.

TBPM: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in teaching?

DW: If you are passionate about children and the impact learning has on our lives, then this is where you belong. It is not always easy and at times it can be highly demanding, but it is an amazing life for those who go into education because they want to inspire young people to be the best they can be.

The number one piece of advice I’d have beyond that is the importance of going into each day with a positive mindset. If you love what you do, guard that positivity like a treasure and use it to create synergy in your classroom and with your colleagues.

TBPM: What classroom practice or routine makes the biggest difference for your students?

DW: Since I teach literature and language for my sixth and seventh graders, all the work we do throughout the year is based on novels we read together. They have many opportunities in the classroom to also read on their own, but our novels are sacred to me.

The books we read together become a springboard for learning about the world and building understanding for others. The discussions we have are often deep and go far beyond basic comprehension of text as we dig into themes, why people sometimes make the choices they make, and how reading can deeply shape our perspectives.

TBPM: How do you bring creativity and joy into your lessons?

DW: The creativity of teaching is something that has kept me evolving as a teacher. I see what I do as a craft and love to spend time creating lessons and activities that will get my students thinking. I still get excited on my way to school when I know I’ve created a great lesson for that day.

I strive to have routines in my classroom but keep the work we do fresh by rotating instructional methods and the types of activities we do. In that, there is not a sense of anything ever being mundane for them or for me. I tell them straight; I want to enjoy my time with you and the lessons I’ve worked to bring to you because my work and what we do together is important to me. I think they have a true sense of that always.

Presented By: Pinellas County Schools | Photo credit: Pinellas County Schools

Originally published in the April 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

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Teacher to Know: Denise White, Pinellas County School Teacher of the Year