Exceptional learners deserve exceptional opportunities.
This simple yet profound belief has shaped the career of Zanita Hendry who recently earned the 2027 FEA Teaching Excellence Award. Hendry is an art teacher at Hillcrest School, a school in Marion County that serves ESE students with moderate to profound disabilities.
Before becoming a teacher, Hendry worked as an ESE paraprofessional, first in St. Johns County and then at Hillcrest School. During her time as a paraprofessional, Hendy took night classes at the University of Central Florida while also balancing life as a single parent and helping her daughter navigate her own college journey.
Upon earning college degree Hendry transitioned from her role as a paraprofessional to being a teacher, the first full-time art teacher in Hillcrest’s 50+ year history. In building an art program from the ground up, Hendry has demonstrated the incredible power that exists at the intersection of education, community and advocacy.
There is perhaps no greater example of this power than the Hillcrest Annual Art Show which “has become a cherished event…bringing families, staff, and community together to celebrate the remarkable talents of our students,” says Hillcrest Principal Lori Manersa. At this event students’ artwork is not only on display, but also for sale. For many of Hendry’s exceptional students who might otherwise have limited access to employment or financial gain, the sale of their artwork “symbolizes much more they just money; it represents dignity, validation, independence, and possibility,” says Hendry. “Students who may struggle academically or socially begin to see themselves as artists, contributors, and valued members of the community.”
There is no doubt the power of art and the dedication of art teachers like Hendry is life changing. As the parent of one of her student’s parents put it, “Ms. Hendry’s thoughtful methods have enabled my daughter to express complex emotions visually, dramatically increasing her confidence and sense of self-worth.”
Beyond the classroom, Hendry works deliberately to dismantle stigma and normalize disability as a natural and valued part of our community’s diversity. As she sees it, the work of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is inseparable from teaching. “Every lesson, partnership, exhibit and advocacy effort is designed to elevate student voices, expand access, and create opportunities rooted in dignity and belonging.”
Those advocacy efforts are one of the reasons Hendry is an active member of her union, the Marion Education Association.
“Union involvement is not solely about educator rights,” shares Hendry. “It is about protecting the integrity of public education and ensuring stability, transparency and opportunity for all students regardless of ability or ZIP code. When educators remain informed, engaged, and unified, we can challenge harmful policies, promote equitable funding, and preserve inclusive programs that serve all learners. Advocacy, in this context, becomes both an act of service and an act of protection.”
Hendry regularly advocates at school board meetings and other events in her community. This past legislative session, she even spoke at the Florida Capitol alongside the superintendent of Marion County Public Schools. Hendry used her time at the Capitol to speak on the importance of the local referendum on the November 2026 ballot which helps to support students and educators in many ways, including by helping to fund art programs.
“Whether I am speaking about disability inclusion, the arts, or public-school funding,” Hendry says, “I emphasize the power of shared purpose, unity, and the collective voice in building stronger schools for every student.”
Her commitment to her students, to disability-rights awareness and to strengthening schools so that all students receive the education they deserve truly makes Ms. Hendry exceptional.
Our state is full of impactful stories of professors, teachers and education staff professionals who show up and make a difference in the lives of their students and colleagues.
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