A former Lee County teacher has permanently lost her ability to teach in Florida after voluntarily surrendering her educator certificate amid an investigation into her comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

State records show that Sarah Seado, who taught language arts at Gateway High School under a temporary certificate, had her non-renewable certificate revoked by the Florida Education Practices Commission in April. She resigned from the School District of Lee County in October 2025 in lieu of termination and chose not to contest the state's administrative complaint.

Seado's Instagram post featured a screenshot of a New York Times article on Kirk's fatal shooting at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, with the caption, "I’m so sorry but… to put it lightly, this did not sadden me in any way, shape, or form if you know what I mean," accompanied by a smirk emoji. A student recording also captured her discussing Kirk's death in class, noting his platform had singled out marginalized communities.

The comments drew multiple parent complaints and led to her suspension with pay. Seado later stated she had already decided to leave education and lacked the resources or desire for a prolonged proceeding over a certificate she no longer planned to use.

Seado's case was one of several in Lee County involving educators disciplined for online reactions to Kirk's death. Two other teachers faced termination recommendations, while additional staff received suspensions. Some educators in similar cases elsewhere in Florida have won reinstatement through administrative rulings citing limited disruption or free speech protections.

The Florida Department of Education and local districts investigated numerous public employees nationwide following the high-profile assassination, with reports of over 100 individuals facing discipline or termination in the immediate aftermath. Seado's permanent revocation underscores the state's commitment to holding educators accountable for statements that many viewed as condoning political violence.

District officials declined further comment, noting Seado is no longer employed there. She is ineligible to reapply for a teaching license in Florida.