News/Events

Nearly 170 teachers have been selected by their peers to represent their schools as Teacher of the Year for the 2026–2027 school year and to compete for the title of 2027 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year.  The teacher who will represent all of Duval County in the Florida Teacher of the Year competition will be announced at the EDDY Awards, presented by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), on Jan. 23, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Duval County students have strong career ambitions and believe education can improve their lives, but financial pressures and difficult-to-navigate systems often stand between them and a college degree or workforce credential, according to a new research brief released by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund.

The study, commissioned by the Scheidel Foundation, examined the factors affecting postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among Duval County students. The research included a survey of 261 students at different points in their educational journeys, interviews with students and higher education professionals, institutional perspectives, and community stakeholder discussions.

Megan Connors, Senior Manager of Data and Research, is a Jacksonville native and proud St. Johns County public school graduate. She taught high school social studies in Brooklyn for seven years before earning a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, where she contributed to research on housing and educational outcomes. She also led the City of Jacksonville’s Green Schools Initiative, developing a data-driven plan to increase tree canopy at Duval County public schools. Her work brings classroom experience and research expertise to JPEF. Learn more about Megan and her work with JPEF.

As another school year begins across Duval County, I want to extend my heartfelt encouragement and gratitude to every student, educator, school leader, parent, volunteer, and community partner embarking on a new year of learning.

Back-to-school season is one of my favorite times of year because it reminds us that education is ultimately about possibility. Every new school year brings fresh opportunities for students to discover their potential, for educators to inspire new generations of learners, and for our community to come together in support of our children.

This year, we also have much to celebrate.

Parents Who Lead gave Marty Williams more than leadership training. Over 20 weeks, it helped her find her voice, build community with other parents, and better understand how advocacy can shape schools, systems, and opportunities for children across Duval County. What began as a room full of strangers became a family of parent leaders united by a shared commitment to public education.

In this powerful reflection, Marty shares how the program pushed her beyond her fear of public speaking, helped her see the strength already within her, and planted seeds of courage not only in the parents who participated, but in the children watching them lead. Her story is a reminder that parent leadership is not just about speaking up; it is about showing up, growing together, and becoming part of the change our schools and students deserve. 

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) is a perfect time to show support, recognition, and appreciation for our public school teachers in Duval County.

As a board member of the Jacksonville Public Education Foundation (JPEF) and CEO and President of Community First Credit Union, I understand our strong community has been built over time through shared effort, steady leadership and commitment to our children. As a proud product of Duval County Public Schools, I developed a career path here in Jacksonville as a direct result of the impact of one important teacher in my life.

Duval County teachers are a cornerstone of our community. Every day, they do far more than teach lessons—they shape futures, lift families, and invest deeply in the whole child.

My appreciation for educators started early. My mom retired from teaching in Duval County, and the care and dedication she showed her students left a lasting impression on me. She believed in teaching and caring for the whole student—academically, emotionally, and personally. She was the first teacher who truly inspired me and showed me how engagement and compassion can completely change the learning environment.

Nick Nelson teaches at the same school his sister once attended. After she died at age 9, his family received a box containing the contents of her desk from Sabal Palm Elementary School, including notes she had been taking just before her death.

“She was planning on coming back to school,” Nick said. “Instead, we were going to her funeral.”

That experience stayed with him. It shaped how he thinks about time, presence, and the importance of being intentional about the people and moments that matter most. It also informs the message he now shares with fellow educators through his new venture, Teacher Fuel Co.

By 2030, more than 70% of jobs will require education or training beyond high school, and employers consistently say skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential for success. Through the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Educator Industry Immersion experience, supported by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), teachers at Oceanway Middle School have been working to ensure students begin developing those skills now.

This year, a field trip to the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee gave Loretto Elementary School teacher Kim Niebauer's 4th and 5th grade students an immersive, hands-on STEM experience that brought space exploration to life. Funded through a Jacksonville Public Education Fund grant and support from the Florida Association for the Gifted, the trip allowed students to step into the roles of scientists and engineers through mission simulations, live demonstrations, and interactive learning tied to real-world concepts. Inspired by the Artemis II mission, the experience showed students that discovery, innovation, and big dreams are not out of reach. It underscored the vital role public schools play in nurturing the next generation of explorers.