By Special to the Daily News

Heather Phillips was named Okaloosa County School District’s Teacher of the Year Thursday.

Phillips, a 15-year educator who currently teaches 4th grade at Bluewater Elementary School in Niceville, was honored at a district banquet Thursday night.

Phillips taught in Hong Kong and Japan, which she said helped her appreciate diversity.

The Teacher of the Year also said she finds her greatest inspiration from her faith in God and the support of her family. She is an active member of her church in Niceville and enjoys being part of the community where she teaches.

Even though she has taught for 15 years, she said it feels like she is just getting started.