- December 26, 2025
Old Kings Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tressa Landi teaches health to 990 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She has been in education since 1997.
Landi grew up in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, and attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as well as her elementary certification to teach first through sixth grades.
Landi was also a three-sport athlete at Lycoming College, which, she said, may have fueled her passion for teaching health and wellness. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education with a focus on elementary reading from Walden University.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
It was an inherent desire to nurture. I've always enjoyed kids, and the teaching profession was the perfect place to put that talent to use. Ultimately, I wanted to make a profound difference for young students. I felt that I could provide a safe environment where they would feel comfortable and excited to learn. On a personal level, I also wanted to be the teacher that I needed during my own elementary years — a promise I make to my students every single day.
How does the nomination make you feel?
Honestly, I was genuinely surprised and deeply humbled by this nomination. When your colleagues — the people you work with every single day — recognize you for your efforts and talents, it truly feels a bit different. I am profoundly honored to receive this recognition from the staff here at Old Kings Elementary. Their belief in what I do means the world to me.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
My favorite thing about being a teacher is that every single day is different. In my current role as a health teacher, the students change for me weekly as they rotate through different classes. When those students rotate back to health class seven weeks later, their growth — not just physically, but socially — is truly incredible to watch. Many of our students are genuinely excited for health class, and seeing that anticipation for learning in their eyes is what makes my heart happy.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
The nomination process required me to reflect deeply on every classroom, project and moment I've been a part of for the last 25 years. That reflection made me realize the true impact I've had here in our school district, and that was a profoundly moving experience for me personally. More than anything, I realized how incredibly blessed I have been. I have had the opportunity to be trained and supported by some of the best people in the state of Florida — our dedicated administrators, my fellow teachers, the wonderful support staff, hardworking custodians, helpful office staff, dedicated bus drivers, generous cafeteria staff and energetic activity leaders. And of course, the greatest blessing has been the thousands of amazing students who have walked through my classroom doors and inspired me every single day. This recognition truly belongs to the entire community that lifted me up from the beginning.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
My personal quote to my students this year is, “I promise to be the teacher that I needed when I was your age.” This simple promise is truly at the forefront of every lesson I teach. Having had the privilege of teaching many of these students for six consecutive years, I've learned that consistency and genuine connection are key. My motivation is always to do better for every student who walks into my classroom. I focus on celebrating their growth, whether it's academic progress or strides in behavior. To uphold this promise, I've had to rely heavily on the expertise of my colleagues, reach out to parents for their invaluable guidance, and consistently take classes to help hone my craft. It's a commitment to continuous improvement for their benefit.
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
It's difficult to pick just one, as there have been numerous memorable moments in my career, but I often go back to my very first year teaching first grade at Bunnell Elementary in 2000. I was part of a fabulous, supportive team that guided me every step of the way, especially with one student. I had a particular student who was extremely withdrawn; she would not talk and preferred to be left entirely to herself. It was difficult for her to work with her peers, and when asked to share, she would not. Little by little, with consistent care and patience, she started to develop her skills. By the end of the year, she was flourishing. I kept a photo for years of her sitting on the rocking chair, with her classmates sitting in front of her, as she read aloud a book of her choice. That moment pops up often and reminds me that all students are truly capable of learning with the right care, the right amount of patience and the right teacher there to guide them.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
Be kind to your future self. The decisions you make today — whether they are big choices or seemingly small ones — profoundly affect the person you will become tomorrow. Choose to study, choose to forgive someone, choose to be honest. Always do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. By making thoughtful, positive choices today, you are laying the foundation for a life your future self will be proud to live.
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
My life outside of school is focused heavily on family and enjoying our beautiful local environment. We spend a lot of time boating and fishing on our local intracoastal waterway; there’s nothing better than being out on the water, soaking up the Florida sunshine, and maybe catching dinner together. For personal wellness, I enjoy reading — it's my favorite way to unwind at the end of a busy day — and staying active. I make sure to get in some form of exercise daily, whether it's a brisk walk or run through the neighborhood, or getting competitive on the court playing pickleball. It's important to find activities that recharge you so you can be fully present for your students.
