CCPS Celebrates Its 2025-2026 Employees of the Year

CCPS Celebrates Its 2025-2026 Employees of the Year Jan 26 2026 Every day across CCPS, dedicated employees give their very best to our students. We had the privilege of shining a spotlight on a few of those extraordinary individuals who were named our 2025-2026 Employees of the Year! Every day across Collier County Public Schools (CCPS), dedicated employees give their very best to our students, often without seeking recognition. We recently had the privilege of shining a spotlight on a few of those extraordinary individuals who were named our 2025-2026 Employees of the Year! Together, these honorees reflect the heart of CCPS. Their impact is felt in classrooms, hallways, and school communities across Collier County, in moments both big and small. We are proud to recognize the following individuals and celebrate their dedication, fidelity, and devotion to students, which define their work each day. Austin Lara, Manatee Elementary School School-Related Employee of the Year Austin Lara serves as a General Assistant at Manatee Elementary and has spent the past six years making a meaningful impact on students and school culture. His role extends well beyond supervision; he is a trusted mentor who supports student learning, reinforces positive behavior, and models good habits daily. Austin oversees the school’s morning news crew and leads daily broadcasts, providing students with leadership opportunities while developing their technical and communication skills. Through his involvement in school events and creative use of photos, videos, and social media, he strengthens family engagement and school pride. His consistency, approachability, and dedication make him an integral part of the Manatee Elementary community. Brittany Crouss, Lely Elementary School Elementary School Teacher of the Year Brittany Crouss is a second-grade teacher at Lely Elementary with 19 years of experience and a reputation for creating a classroom culture rooted in kindness, engagement, and high expectations. Her instruction is intentionally designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and student confidence through interactive and multisensory learning experiences. As a team leader, mentor, and PTO Vice-President, Brittany plays a key role in schoolwide initiatives and community engagement. Former students frequently return to share how her emphasis on kindness and perseverance continues to shape their lives. Dyan Konicek, Immokalee Middle School Middle School Teacher of the Year CCPS Nominee, Florida Teacher of the Year Dyan Konicek is a Civics teacher at Immokalee Middle School with 22 years of dedicated service to the Immokalee community. Her classroom is known for immersive, highly engaging learning experiences that bring history and government to life through simulations, discussion, and creative expression. Beyond instruction, Dyan is a leader as a department head, Junior Honor Society sponsor, and mentor to colleagues across the school district. Her unwavering commitment, instructional excellence, and deep community roots led to her selection as Middle School Teacher of the Year and as our nominee for Florida Teacher of the Year. Ashley Dunlap, Gulf Coast High School High School Teacher of the Year Ashley Dunlap teaches English II and English II Honors at Gulf Coast High School and is a proud CCPS graduate with 11 years of teaching experience. She is known for cultivating a classroom environment that is intellectually rigorous, inclusive, and relationship-centered. Ashley integrates inquiry-based instruction, rich discussion, and real-world connections to deepen student engagement. As a department chair and club sponsor, she supports both students and colleagues while modeling pride, professionalism, and collaboration throughout the school community. Amy McMullin, Immokalee Technical College Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year Amy McMullin teaches Computer Systems & Information Technology and Applied Cybersecurity at Immokalee Technical College and brings 13 years of experience in preparing students for high-demand technology careers. She is known for grounding instruction in authentic, real-world problem solving and industry-aligned practices. As the Building Technology Coordinator and department chair, Amy supports campus technology needs, mentors colleagues, and partners with workforce advisory groups. Her leadership and instructional excellence contribute to high certification rates and strong job placement for students.