Fort Myers High Teacher Honored by Governor with Excellence in Education Award

Fort Myers High School teacher Christopher Morales was honored by the Governor and First Lady of Florida with the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Morales teaches biology, sponsors three student clubs, serves as an Extended Essay Advisor to IB students and is an APPLES Mentor for new teachers.

"Receiving the Hispanic Teacher of Excellence Award was a truly humbling and gratifying experience,” Morales said. “It served as a validation of my dedication to fostering educational excellence and celebrating diversity in the classroom. This recognition has further inspired me to continue promoting inclusivity and providing the best education possible to my students."

Morales was inspired to teach by his high school anatomy teacher. After teaching for four years in New York, he moved to Lee County six years ago and started at Cypress Lake High School before transferring to Fort Myers High School. He says he is motivated by watching his students grow, learn, and become responsible citizens.

“Mr. Morales has made a great impact on the students at Fort Myers High School and it’s great to see that his hard work and dedication are being recognized,” said Fort Myers High School Principal Christian Engelhart. “We are extremely proud that he is being honored with the Hispanic Teacher of Excellence Award!”

Morales was nominated for the award by one of his students, but he doesn’t know who. Earlier this month Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis invited him to the Governor’s mansion, along with the other Hispanic Heritage Month student and educator award winners, for a recognition ceremony. He received a $2,500 prize provided by Volunteer Florida.

“Florida has extensive Hispanic heritage, and many Hispanic Floridians have played a significant role in defending freedom and liberty,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are proud to teach students about their important contributions and the role they have played in preserving freedom.” First Lady Casey DeSantis added, “Hispanic Floridians have played a vital role in the history of our great state and continue to have a tremendous impact.”

Morales was also recently named the 2023 Adjunct Professor of the Year at Florida SouthWestern State College where he teaches General Biology.