St. Johns Media Specialist Recipient of FEA Teaching Award

Pictured above: 

Carolyn Milian, M.L.S  (center) is joined by Nandi Riley, FEA Secretary-Treasurer (left) and Andrew Spar, FEA President after receiving the 2025 FEA Award for Teacher Excellence at FEA’s September Governance Board meeting.

Media specialists and school librarians in Florida have unique challenges as they look to support the differing needs of all the students in their schools. For Carolyn, she has risen to the challenge and shows up each day to ensure that every child at Allen D. Nease High School in St. Johns County feels seen, heard and has the resources they need at their fingertips. It’s this dedication that has earned Carolyn the 2026 FEA Teaching Excellence Award.

Carolyn has been an educator in Florida public schools for 31 years, spending 19 years as a School Librarian/Media Specialist and 12 years as a classroom teacher. She has a proven record in managing library resources, receiving recognition from the Florida Power Library Schools program, and coordinating with teachers, administration, and technology support to make sure her library is always ready for students.

“It is our unique privilege to be able to honor an educator like Carolyn,” said Kate Dowdie, President of St. Johns Education Association. “Carolyn is a professional who is committed and determined to her students. Each day she shows up for them and for her community. We are so proud that she was selected for the honor of FEA’s teaching excellence award.”

As a recipient of FEA’s Teaching Excellence Award, Carolyn will represent Florida at the NEA Foundation’s Excellence in Education Gala in 2026.

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