From Barriers to Bridges: How Assistant Principal Alicia Hinson Is Transforming Classrooms with Your Support

Every parent or caregiver dreams of a teacher who sees the whole child—someone who can bring out the best in students by connecting, including, and inspiring them.

That’s exactly the kind of leader Assistant Principal Alicia Hinson is —thanks to support from the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and generous donors like you.

At Northwestern Legends, Alicia saw that students often carried their differences like barriers: some spoke up confidently, others stayed silent, and some overflowed with energy. Without a way to truly connect, misunderstandings and conflicts grew.

With JPEF’s School Leadership Initiative, Alicia introduced restorative circles — spaces where students could listen, share, and build trust. Over just a few sessions, empathy deepened, relationships grew stronger, and the school community became safer and more inclusive.

And Alicia didn’t stop there. Through the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, she attended the international CEESA Conference, learning cutting-edge approaches in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and multi-sensory teaching. She returned determined to break down barriers for exceptional student education (ESE) learners and to share strategies with her colleagues—ensuring all students have access to meaningful, inclusive lessons.

This is the kind of educator every parent wants for their child:

• A leader who creates connection, not conflict.
• A teacher who equips every student—no matter their learning style—to succeed.
• An innovator who brings global best practices home to Jacksonville.

And here’s the truth: none of it is possible without you.

When you give to JPEF, you make sure more educators like Alicia have access to outside-the-box professional development that transforms classrooms—and lives.

Will you make a gift today to support the educators every child deserves?