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Gibbs High’s Dennis Zuercher is Pinellas Teacher of the Year
Dennis Zuercher, a third-generation educator and alumnus of Gibbs High School, has been selected as the 2025 Pinellas County Schools (PCS) Teacher of the Year.
The honor was announced at PCS’ annual Evening of Excellence event, hosted by the Pinellas Education Foundation, Monday night at Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.
Zuercher has been an educator since 2020 and serves as the chair of the Social Studies Department at Gibbs High School, where he oversees curriculum development and provides support to fellow educators. He is also the director of the Gibbs High School History Museum, where he curates exhibits, leads a volunteer committee in collecting and archiving artifacts, and manages the museum’s social media presence.
Zuercher is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies.
“Teaching means building relationships with students, understanding their unique needs and fostering an environment where they feel safe, valued and motivated to learn,” Zuercher said in a prepared statement about what being an educator means to him. “It is helping students reach their full potential by nurturing their growth and teaching them the skills they need to be successful.”
“Dennis Zuercher ensures his students leave his classroom with the skills to succeed and the confidence to chase their dreams. As a proud 1987 alum of Gibbs High School, Zuercher is dedicated to creating a classroom where students are valued and inspired to learn,” said Kevin Hendrick, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, in the statement. “As the director of the Gibbs High School History Museum, Zuercher also plays a vital role in preserving the school’s legacy for future generations.”
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The ten finalists for Teacher of the Year were selected based on criteria evaluated by a panel of judges. The finalists included:
- Brandy Ashby (Campbell Park Elementary)
- Judith A. Deeley, EdD. (Dunedin High)
- Brittany Fuller (Clearwater Fundamental Middle)
- Kelly Hefty (Azalea Elementary)
- Tarik Mowatt (Meadowlawn Middle)
- Kaley Olles (Safety Harbor Middle)
- Natalie Steratore (Curlew Creek Elementary)
- Jill Shircliff (Osceola Middle)
- Carrie Snyder (Belleair Elementary)
All 10 Teacher of the Year finalists were highlighted on Pinellas County Schools’ social media accounts. Photos: Pinellas County Schools/Instagram.
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“It is an immense honor to celebrate the Top 10 Teacher of the Year finalists,” added Kim Jowell, CEO of Pinellas Education Foundation. “We congratulate each of them and are grateful for the profound difference they make in their schools and communities. A special congratulations to Dennis Zuercher for being named the 2025 Teacher of the Year … his relentless dedication has helped shape the minds and lives of countless Pinellas County students.”
As part of his Teacher of the Year win, Zuercher rode to school in style Tuesday morning, arriving in a limousine to students and faculty cheering for him.
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S. Rose Smith-Hayes
January 28, 2025at10:14 pm
Congratulations Mr. Zuercher and thank you for the Jonathan C. Gibbs High School History Museum.
I will encourage my former Gibbs classmates to bring to you, memorabilia from their time at ‘Gibbs’.
Laura Spencer
January 28, 2025at4:13 pm
Mr. Zuercher was one of my favorite teachers during my time at Gibbs (PCCA grad 2007). Not only did I have him for American History, but I ended up being his teacher’s assistant the following year! To this day, I can’t make a powerpoint presentation without thinking of him! Congrats!