A Jacksonville educator with three decades of teaching experience has been named Preschool Educator of the Year by the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children.

Kerstin Teutonico, known affectionately to her students as “Mrs. T,” has spent more than 20 years teaching at the Jewish Community Alliance’s Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten, where she focuses on developing children academically, emotionally and socially.

“I always had a connection with children. I always was easily one of their people they always trusted, who they came to with their stories and their questions,” Teutonico said.

The state recognition celebrated her 30-year commitment to early childhood education. For Teutonico, the award brings both honor and responsibility.

“From that point on

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