But that’s no reason for Osceola County not to be extremely proud of St. Cloud High School reading and college readiness teacher Nanci Brillant. She was named a top five runner-up at a ceremony at Universal Citywalk’s Hard Rock Live Thursday after being nominated for 2013 Gaylord Palms Teacher of the Year.

It’s definitely something for Osceola to hang its hat on.

She was one of five finalists from across the state who were chosen on the basis of an outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.

She lost to Alex Lopez, of Carol City High School in Miami-Dade County. We congratulate him.

This year’s five finalists were chosen from more than 180,000 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Brillant was then selected by a similar committee based on her credentials and interviews.

That achievement alone is simply amazing. This is a shining moment for the Osceola County School District. It shows it has teachers who are providing Osceola students with the best possible education.

Named Osceola County School District teacher of the year in March, Brillant gave up working 80 hour weeks as a banker in Key West 10 years ago to become a teacher.

Brillant focuses on helping juniors and seniors pass the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test and graduate with high SAT and ACT scores. She started a Saturday School program for students who may need additional help outside the classroom.

Nearly 75 percent of Brillant’s seniors who took the fall 2011 Reading FCAT retake test passed or made gains on their score; on the same test, 68 percent of her juniors passed or made gains, according to School District data.

We believe that’s just tireless work and dedication to the fullest when teachers already have a tough job.

And while Brillant is in the spotlight, we want to thank all of the district’s talented teachers who do their best to teach their students each and every school day.