Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo
Nationally recognized educator and community engagement leader with 13 school years of experience connecting mathematics and STEM education, family learning and community partnerships.
Dr. Malahoo is the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year, a national honor presented by the National Center for Families Learning and Toyota to educators who engage families as partners in learning. She holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in K-8 Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida, where she was also inducted into the Order of Pegasus, the university's highest student honor.
Over 13 school years at Pinewood Elementary, a Title I school in Orange County Public Schools, she secured more than $130,000 in competitive grant funding, built partnerships with businesses and nonprofit organizations, and developed family learning programs that have reached more than 300 families each year. Across her career she has secured more than $175,000 in grants for instructional resources, academic projects and student enrichment.
Since June 2026 she has served as Director of Education Programs and Community Engagement at Above and Beyond for Change, an Orlando nonprofit, where she leads education, family learning and community engagement initiatives in partnership with schools and community organizations.
Community work
During the pandemic she opened a free community library in her neighborhood, and with Above and Beyond for Change and local law enforcement she organized Thanksgiving meal drives, coat distributions, holiday packages and a program that put more than 100 bicycles in the hands of her students. Cultural Day celebrations, a Parent Academy on digital learning tools and community-based mathematics activities with local supermarkets reflect the same approach: meet a child's needs first, and treat the community as a classroom resource.
In her own words
"My personal journey through education was marked by struggles with mathematics. Surrounded by individuals who perpetuated my insecurities, I spent years avoiding academic pursuits and labeled myself as 'not a math person.' However, a chance encounter with an inspiring educator opened my eyes to the beauty, wonder, and joy of mathematics. This transformative experience ignited a profound desire within me to redefine how students perceive this subject."
At a glance
Current role
Director of Education Programs and Community Engagement, Above and Beyond for Change, Orlando (2026 to present)
Previously
Teacher and STEM Coordinator, Pinewood Elementary, Orange County Public Schools (2013 to 2026)
Education
Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction, K-8 Mathematics Education, University of Central Florida (2024)
M.Ed., K-8 Mathematics and Science Education, University of Central Florida (2021)
National leadership
Nominations Committee Chair, National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (2025 to 2027)
Selected recognition
2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year
Partners in Education Coordinator of the Year, Orange County Public Schools (2024-2025)
Pinewood Elementary Teacher of the Year (2019-2020 and 2024-2025)
WESH 2 CommUNITY Champion (2025)
UCF Order of Pegasus (2024)
Noyce Master Teaching Fellow (2020 to 2025)
Live with Kelly and Ryan Top Ten Teacher (2021)
Areas of expertise
- Family engagement and intergenerational learning
- Community partnerships and school collaboration
- Professional learning and workshop facilitation
- Mathematics and STEM program development
- Culturally responsive instruction
- K-8 mathematics curriculum design
- Grant development and resource mobilization
- Public speaking and educational leadership