From event to impact: How EDTalks creates meaningful change
By Dr. Ronetta Wards, JPEF Vice President
At the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, our initiatives don’t end when the event concludes. They evolve into sustained opportunities for impact.
This year’s School Leadership Initiative (SLI) grew out of the momentum created by EdTalks 2023, where Dr. Shawn Ginwright challenged us to reimagine school culture through healing-centered engagement. That moment planted the seed, and this year’s SLI Community of Practice (CoP) nurtured it into meaningful and lasting growth.
Through monthly Communities of Practice meetings, school leaders across Duval County have come together to cultivate healthy school communities. These are spaces built on trust, belonging, and shared purpose. These elements are not just supportive additions; they are essential foundations for innovation and student success.
As we look ahead to a future shaped by Artificial Intelligence and the next industrial revolution, these healthy communities serve as both containers for transformation and guardrails that ensure access. They help us preserve our values and expand opportunity as new technologies emerge.
The impact speaks for itself:
- 100% of leaders who participated would recommend the experience
- Over 4,365 students are being directly impacted
- Leaders are already applying their learning, from implementing restorative circles to reimagining collaboration among staff
One participant reflected:
"Our meetings have helped me to think deeply about my leadership and what it takes to build a healthy school community."
And we are just getting started.
EdTalks 2025 will explore the role of AI in education. We invite you to join us as we continue building the bridge between innovation and integrity while ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.