Dr. Hart is a fourth-grade mathematics and science teacher at Ocoee Elementary School. She has been an Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) teacher for 13 years. Dr. Hart earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Specialization in Mathematics Education, at the University of Central Florida, with her dissertation titled Exploring the Challenges of First Grade Students’ Non-Exit from Mathematics Intervention: A Comparative Analysis of Mathematics Instruction and Best Practices During Intervention. Before her doctorate, Dr. Hart earned her master’s in K-8 Mathematics and Science Education from the University of Central Florida, her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of South Florida.
As a teacher with OCPS, Dr. Hart had the opportunity to be a part of the Kindergarten Screener Committee, the District Professional Learning Community Committee, and several OCPS textbook adoption committees. Dr. Hart also was the 2016 – 2017 and 2018 – 2019 Teacher of the Year at Ridgewood Park Elementary and Ocoee Elementary, respectively. At Ocoee Elementary, Dr. Hart served as a Team Leader and Faculty Advisory Committee Chair for many years. She also served as the Mathematics Interventionist teacher. She is currently also a Clinical Educator where she mentors and supports new and experienced teachers.
Since beginning her doctoral journey, Dr. Hart has shared her expertise through presentations at National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) webinars and Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM) conferences. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to mathematics education, Dr. Hart was honored with FCTM’s highest accolade—the 2025 Kenneth P. Kidd Mathematics Educator of the Year Award.
Dr. Hart anticipates presenting at more State and National conferences and contributing to the mathematics body of knowledge through ongoing research. She is deeply committed to continuous professional growth and consistently seeks to enhance her instructional practice. In addition to sharing insights from her classroom, she actively leads professional developments, supporting and empowering fellow educators through collaboration and shared expertise.