Seminole Ridge Teacher Earns International Recognition From Cambridge

A Palm Beach County educator will receive international recognition for her impact in the classroom. Elizabeth Seeman, U.S. History teacher at Seminole Ridge Community High School, has been named the North American winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. 

The honor was announced this week by Cambridge University Press & Assessment as part of its annual global competition recognizing outstanding educators around the world. Seemann is one of just nine regional winners selected from more than 12,000 nominations submitted across 126 countries. 

Students, parents, and fellow educators praised Seemann for her passion for history, her dedication to helping students succeed, and her ability to inspire confidence both inside and outside the classroom. 

With 28 years of teaching experience, Seemann has spent her career helping students reach their full potential. She introduced Cambridge AS U.S. History courses at Seminole Ridge in 2020 and added A Level courses in 2022, encouraging students to think critically and connect historical events to current issues. 

“The classroom has always been where I feel most at home, which makes this recognition as the North America winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards deeply meaningful,” Seemann said in a press statement. “Teaching Cambridge AS & A Level U.S. History is especially powerful because I see students draw connections between the late 20th century and today, and leave not only more knowledgeable, but more confident in their ability to think critically, lead, and shape their own futures.”

As a regional winner, Seemann will receive approximately $675 worth of books for her classroom, a commemorative trophy, and a place in the global finals as North America’s representative. She will also be featured on a special “Thank You” page in upcoming Cambridge textbooks scheduled for release in November 2026. 

Mark Cavone, regional director for North America at Cambridge, said Seemann’s influence extends far beyond teaching historical facts. 

“Great teaching changes lives, and Elizabeth’s impact is evident in the way her students grow as thinkers, writers, and leaders,” Cavone said. “She represents the power of education at its best, and we are honored to name her our North America winner.

Vote HERE for Seemann and the other regional winners through May 12, with the global winner set to be announced on June 2.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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