- December 30, 2025
Becoming a teacher was not Chris Palau's original career plan.
Palau used to work at Silver Springs Natures Theme Park in Ocala, and she wanted to one day work in the education department at a zoo. But when the theme park closed — and transitioned into a state park — Palau moved to Daytona Beach and began working at Seabreeze High School in 2014.
She began working with the Seabreeze Orchestra and Band Association Colorguard. Four years later, she started working the school's front desk, and then in the attendance office the next year.
"During that time, I got to know the students, staff, and the overall rhythm of the school, and it sparked something in me that I didn’t even realize I was missing," Palau said. "Multiple people kept encouraging me to use my teaching degree, and after a lot of thought (and some gentle pushing), I finally decided to step into the classroom in 2021."
That's when she realized how much she loved teaching.
"Teaching allowed me to connect with students in meaningful ways, support them through challenges, and help them see possibilities they didn’t know they had," Palau said. "It quickly became more than a career shift — it became something deeply fulfilling, something I didn’t even know I needed."
She's currently a high school Support Facilitation teacher for biology and environmental science at Seabreeze, and also serves as an IEP case manager. She's been teaching now for five years, and the nomination of Teacher of the Year makes her feel humbled and honored, she said. It's also made her realize it's OK to be recognized.
"To be recognized by my fellow teachers, the people who see the early mornings, the long days, and the work that often happens quietly behind the scenes — means more than I can fully express," Palau said. "Teaching isn’t something I do for recognition, so knowing that my colleagues noticed the effort, commitment, and care I put into my students was an absolute honor. It’s a reminder that the work we do matters, even when we’re not in the spotlight."
The support of her fellow Seabreeze faculty and staff has been one of her major motivators. They've seen her at her best and worst moments, she said. Like, when she unexpectedly lost her husband.
Her students also help keep her motivated.
"My life experiences have helped me to motivate the students to succeed not just academically but in their lives," Palau said. "The unexpected can happen at any time and sometimes students just need someone to listen not just teach. When students know you care about their well-being, not just their grades, their confidence and engagement soar."
That's why Palau also co-sponsors the Seabreeze Closet, which helps supply students with personal care items and clothing, from socks to prom dresses.
In her five years of teaching, Palau said she's learned a lot — about education, of course, but also about "resilience, empathy, and the incredible potential students have when they feel understood and supported."
Seeing students overcome challenges and go on to succeed in the world is one of the most rewarding experiences for Palau. Her favorite parts of being a teacher are those success stories, whether a student reaches out to tell her about a new job, a college milestone or simply that they are doing well.
"Seeing their pride in themselves — and knowing I played even a small role in helping them believe in their abilities — is something I will never take for granted," Palau said.
Outside of work, Palau loves spending time with her daughter and her family, both blood and chosen. She appreciates the "little joys," like relaxing, laughing, unwinding and taking naps whenever she can.
Her advice to students?
"Stay weirdly you," Palau said. "You don’t need to blend in or fit every mold to be successful or accepted. Being different is not a flaw — it’s a strength. Embrace your quirks, your passions, and your individuality. Have fun, be unique, and don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable. The world needs exactly the kind of person you are becoming."
