Joseph Harrin of Hernando High Named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Joseph Harrin, band director at Hernando High School, was selected as the Hernando County School District Teacher of the Year for 2025-26. The recognition crowns a long career in local music education and places a spotlight on performing arts programs across Hernando County.

The award was presented during the Hernando County Education Foundation’s annual ceremony at Lead Foot City on Jan. 23. Harrin posed with School Superintendent Ray Pinder and members of the Hernando County School Board at the awards ceremony. After his name was announced, Harrin recalled the moment: "To be honest, I never thought I had a chance as a band director. When I heard the second and first runners-up called and they were both from elementary schools, I had resigned myself to not winning," Harrin said. "When they said Hernando High School, I was in shock and disbelief."

Harrin also framed the honor as a platform for advocacy. "I am grateful for the recognition, and I am excited to represent the county I grew up in, the school I graduated from and the program I am passionate about," he said. "I am looking forward to being an advocate for the performing arts and the incredible educators we have in Hernando County." District materials note that Harrin said he is looking forward to representing the district in future Teacher of the Year competitions.

The selection process begins with school-level nominations from parents, teachers, administrators or students. A panel of judges narrows nominees and evaluates candidates at the district level based on qualifications and impact on students, school and community. First runner-up was Charlie Cempron of Eastside Elementary School, and second runner-up was Larissa Orlando of Chocachatti Elementary School. The ceremony also introduced a Rookie of the Year recognition, awarded to Robert Crawford of Wilton Simpson Technical College.

Harrin has deep local roots and professional credentials. The Hernando High staff page identifies him as a 1996 Hernando High graduate who received his Bachelors of Music Education degree from Stetson University. The page lists memberships in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Florida Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education and the Florida Bandmasters Association, and notes that "He is a past District Chairman for the Florida Bandmasters Association." The school page adds, "Mr. Harrin calls Hernando High School home and enjoys having his own kids in the program." One local account described him as having 25 years of teaching experience.

Most reporting and school materials identify the award year as 2025-26; one local outlet labeled it 2026-27, a discrepancy that appears to be an editorial error. For Hernando County residents, Harrin’s recognition highlights the role of arts educators in student engagement and community life. As Harrin assumes a countywide platform, expect renewed attention to performing arts programming, local volunteer support and the district’s role in sustaining extracurricular opportunities for Hernando students.