A Year of Honor and Responsibility: Reflections from the 2025 Duval Teacher of the Year

On January 18, 2025, I stood on stage with four amazing finalists, nervous as I awaited the announcement like the other 800-plus individuals in the audience. When my name was called, I was overcome by joy, and everything instantly felt surreal. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, but if someone had told me a year ago that it would be my name that would be called as the 2025 Duval Teacher of the Year, I probably would have laughed at them. This has been a journey of celebration, humbleness, and responsibility that I will never forget.

Since winning this prestigious title, the accolades have continued to pour in from every direction. Walking off the stage, I was awarded a brand-new SUV from Jenkins Hyundai of Jacksonville for a year. Haymaker Coffee provided my school with coffee for 180 days. And I can’t forget the cash prizes Florida Blue and the Deerwood Country Club presented each finalist. Eleven months later, and the adulation continues. My cheeks are still hurting from smiling so much. I must admit, it felt good. But as I sit and honestly think about everything, it humbles you.

In a district where there are 197 schools filled with phenomenal teachers, and you are the one selected as the Teacher of the Year, it is that realization that truly humbles you. As I close my eyes and think of all the talented educators that I know, I find myself asking, ‘Why me?’ It’s not that I don’t feel I deserve it; it is just a huge honor to hold, knowing that you not only represent your school but all the great teachers in the district. This brought on a whole new level of responsibility.

I realized that, despite everything that goes on in a given occupation, I had a huge responsibility as a teacher. It was not only my duty to teach students but to become an ambassador for the teaching profession. When negativity attempts to infiltrate a conversation about this profession, I definitely feel it is my duty to negate it with positivity. When I became the 2025 Duval Teacher of the Year, this was not just an honor I cherished for a year. It is something I will hold in my heart forever!

-        Vincent Taylor, 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year