FLVS Names Outstanding Team Members of the Year

September 26, 2025

The FLVS team members of the year are, from left to right, School-Related Employee of the Year Michael Jata, Teacher of the Year Michaele Ann Elliott, Principal of the Year Suzanna Pacheco, and Assistant Principal of the Year Kaleigh McCoy. They were announced during the organization's annual professional learning conference Sept. 25.

In its annual recognition of outstanding staff, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has named its 2027 Teacher of the Year and 2026 Principal, Assistant Principal, and School‑Related Employee of the Year.

This year’s honorees are:

• Teacher of the Year: Michaela Ann Elliott
• Principal of the Year: Suzanna Pacheco
• Assistant Principal of the Year: Kaleigh McCoy
• School-Related Employee of the Year: Michael Jata

“Our award winners exemplify the FLVS commitment, which is to put the student at the center of every decision we make,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, president and CEO of FLVS. “These outstanding individuals reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, community, balance, and communication, and their unwavering dedication continues to drive progress in online education, ensuring our students receive the highest quality learning experience.”

All three honorees will advance to the Florida Department of Education’s annual awards program, where one teacher, principal, and school‑related employee will be selected as the statewide winners.

2027 Teacher of the Year: Michaele Ann Elliott

Michaele Ann Elliott, who is from Orlando, has been selected as the 2027 Teacher of the Year, honored for her exceptional ability to inspire and connect with students and their families.

What began as a later‑in‑life career change for this elementary art teacher quickly became a lifelong passion, one she has pursued with unwavering dedication ever since. After a successful sales career and years devoted to raising her children, Eliott brought her creativity, empathy, and drive into the classroom, where she has flourished.

As a virtual teacher with FLVS, Elliott has made it her mission to make art accessible to students of all ages and abilities across the state. Through innovative lesson design, interactive digital tools, and a personal touch that transcends the screen, she fosters an environment where students feel empowered to explore, create, and express themselves.

Her colleagues describe her as a tireless advocate for students, known for her boundless enthusiasm and her commitment to living the FLVS value of being “all in for students.” Whether introducing basic art concepts or challenging students to expand their creative skills, Eliott’s focus remains the same: ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

“Michaele Ann is an exemplary educator whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have profoundly impacted her students and colleagues,” said Kristy Smith, Florida Virtual Elementary School principal. “Her contributions extend far beyond the classroom, strengthening our school community and inspiring those around her.”

For Elliott, art is more than a subject; it’s a way for students to find their voice and discover that their ideas matter and their creativity has no limits.

"Being named Teacher of the Year is not just a recognition of my work, it's a reflection of the incredible students who inspire me every single day," said Elliot. "I strive to create a classroom where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential. This award reminds me that the impact we make goes far beyond the lesson plans; it shapes futures."

Elliot began her career in education as a substitute teacher in 2008 after a successful sales career and after taking time off to raise her children. She joined the FLVS team in 2020 and has a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s degree in marketing communication from Florida State University. 

2026 Principal of the Year: Suzanna Pacheco

Florida Virtual High School (FVHS) Principal Suzanna Pacheco, who is from Orlando, has been named the district’s 2026 Principal of the Year, honored for her visionary, student‑centered leadership and her role in driving record‑setting achievement.

As principal of the state’s only online high school, Pacheco leads a dynamic learning community that spans every corner of Florida. She ensures instruction is engaging, teachers are empowered to excel in virtual education, families are active partners in learning, and students feel connected and supported—no matter their location. Her leadership not only meets the unique demands of online education but also demonstrates its power to deliver exceptional outcomes and prepare students for the future.

Under Pacheco’s guidance, FVHS has reached unprecedented milestones: a record‑high graduation rate of 96.6%, the largest graduating class in school history in 2025 with 1,250 students, and the highest overall student enrollment to date. More than 20 percent of the Class of 2025 earned the prestigious summa cum laude distinction, and the top five graduates achieved GPAs of 4.6 or higher.

“Suzanna leads with heart, vision, and purpose, fostering a culture where excellence isn’t just expected, it’s inspired,” said Brett Cucuel, the district’s Director of Instruction. “Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and expanding opportunities is evident in the remarkable growth of our Career and Technical Education programs and Dual Enrollment offerings, ensuring every student is prepared to excel beyond high school.”

Pacheco began her career in education as a teacher in 2001 and joined the Florida Virtual School team in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in education administration from the American College of Education.

2026 Assistant Principal of the Year: Kaleigh McCoy

FVHS Assistant Principal Kaleigh McCoy from Winter Haven, Fla., has been named the district’s 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year, honored for her student‑centered leadership, innovative problem‑solving, and unwavering commitment to helping every learner succeed.

McCoy joined FLVS in 2022, bringing nearly a decade of experience in public education as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal. This diverse background has given her a deep understanding of both student needs and school operations; insight that benefits not only the students she serves but also the teachers and staff who make up the FVHS community.

As assistant principal, McCoy leads the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, expanding opportunities for students to excel academically and prepare for future careers. Known for her approachable style and collaborative spirit, she is a trusted partner to colleagues, always ready to listen, offer guidance, and develop creative solutions that strengthen the school’s programs and culture.

“Kaleigh is a driving force for student success,” said Suzanna Pacheco, Florida Virtual High School principal. “She demonstrates exceptional leadership and a talent for creating innovative solutions that have significantly expanded our college and career readiness programs and strengthened our school community. Her calm demeanor, strategic mindset, and ability to build strong relationships make her an invaluable asset and a true champion for every student.”

McCoy began her career in education in 2013 and holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and training from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in education from the University of West Florida.

2026 School-Related Employee of the Year: Michael Jata

As the Assessment Accommodations Coordinator for FLVS, Michael Jata from Fort Myers, Fla., plays a vital role in ensuring every student has the resources, access, and encouragement they need to succeed. His expertise and dedication guarantee that students across the state, especially those requiring accommodations, can participate fully and confidently in their academic journeys.

His primary responsibility is to ensure students receive the necessary accommodations to access assessments fairly and equitably, as defined by laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Making a significant impact statewide, Jata has coordinated more than 300 face‑to‑face exams and over 100 remote exams for hospital/homebound students. 

Leveraging his background as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher, he works to ensure that every FLVS student has access to a consistent, supportive, and calm testing environment, no matter their circumstances. Known for blending innovation, strategy, and compassion, Jata is equally committed to serving students and supporting his colleagues.

"Michael exemplifies what it means to be a champion for student access and achievement," said Maria Campagnano, Director of Assessment. “His tireless innovation and compassionate service have transformed the way we support learners across Florida Virtual School. Michael doesn't just support education; he elevates it, building systems and relationships that empower students and staff alike. We are proud to honor him for his extraordinary dedication to equity, excellence, and the future of learning at FLVS."

Jata began his career in education as a teacher assistant in 2017 and joined the FLVS team in 2024. He holds a bachelor's degree in child development and a master's degree in special education from Florida Gulf Coast University.