A pair of Central Florida teachers are finalists for teacher of the year.         

  • 2018 Florida Teacher of the Year finalists
  • Michael Miller of Kissimmee Elementary School
  • Tammy Perkins of Leesburg High School

Michael Miller of Kissimmee Elementary School is now competing for the 2018 Macy's and Florida Department of Education award.

Miller said Tuesday he's excited just to be recognized as a top teacher.

"It means so much that the state is recognizing teachers like they are and that they feel like I'm worthy to be a top-five finalist in the state," Miller said. "It's an incredible experience. I cannot put it into words."

Tammy Jerkins of Leesburg High School is also a teacher of the year finalist. She said she's honored just to be mentioned in the same conversation as the others.

"It's been remarkable reading about what they're doing, and I've been so impressed with the other teachers," Jerkins said. "I really didn't dream that I would be a finalist for the state of Florida, but I'm very excited."

The teacher of the year winner, announced in July, receives an all-expense-paid trip to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.