Hale Law announced the launch of its 2026 Hale Helps™ Teacher of the Year campaign on March 1, encouraging the public to nominate exceptional K-12 educators across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Nominations are open until March 29, 2026, and the winning teacher will receive a free cruise for two, provided as a $1,000 cruise credit through Expedia Cruises of Sarasota.
The Teacher of the Year award is a key component of Hale Law's broader Hale Helps™ community initiative, which also includes an annual scholarship program and a back-to-school backpack giveaway for local students. This campaign provides a direct avenue for parents, students, fellow educators, and community members to acknowledge teachers who make a lasting impact in their classrooms and schools.
To nominate a teacher, individuals can visit halelaw.com and complete the online nomination form, providing their name and email address, their relationship to the teacher, the teacher's name, school name, and county (Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte), along with an optional personal story about why the teacher stands out. Only one nomination per person is permitted, and the nomination period ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 29, 2026.
The five eligible teachers with the highest number of verified nominations will advance to the finalist round, to be announced on April 7. Public voting will then take place online from April 7 through April 26. Following vote verification and compliance review, the 2026 Hale Helps™ Teacher of the Year will be announced on April 28.
Teachers across these counties invest significant time, energy, and care into shaping students' lives daily. This award offers the community a meaningful opportunity to recognize that dedication. Even a single nomination can help bring well-deserved recognition to the work happening inside a classroom.
The winning teacher receives a free cruise for two, with the $1,000 credit covering cruise fare, port taxes, fees, and prepaid gratuities. Now in its third year, the Hale Helps™ Teacher of the Year award continues to build on its success, recognizing outstanding local educators for their excellence.
Hale Law, founded in 2018, is a Sarasota-based personal injury firm representing individuals and families across Southwest Florida in matters involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and wrongful death. The firm operates eight regional offices and represents clients on a contingency fee basis.
