Recent fellows explored Belize, Hawaii, and Chile, bringing fresh perspectives to Duval County classrooms.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — October 29, 2026 — The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is accepting applications for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, which empowers K–12 Duval County public school teachers to design and pursue professional learning experiences inspired by their interests, their teaching goals, and the needs of their students.
Applications opened October 1, 2026, and will remain open through January 24, 2027. Interested educators can learn more and apply at EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply.
From Belize and Chile to Nashville and Hawaii, this year’s fellows traveled to destinations that offered opportunities for exploration, discovery, and professional growth. Their experiences reflect the Fellowship’s invitation to think beyond traditional professional development and pursue learning that can bring new energy and perspectives into the classroom.
The Fellowship funds teacher-designed learning experiences, including immersive travel, specialized workshops, research, and other educational pursuits. By giving educators the freedom to shape their own professional learning, the program supports their creativity and helps them connect their experiences to meaningful opportunities for students.
“The Cindy Edelman Fellowship gave me the opportunity to attend the Visible Learning Conference in Nashville, where I learned alongside educators from across the country and gained practical strategies I can immediately implement in my classroom,” said Nick Nelson, an educator at Sabal Palm Elementary School and a Fellowship participant. “I returned with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a deeper understanding of how to make student learning more visible and meaningful. The impact of this fellowship extends far beyond one trip—it will influence my teaching, support my colleagues, and ultimately benefit the students I serve for years to come.”
Through the Fellowship, teachers have opportunities to:
- Design their own learning: Pursue experiences that align with their professional interests and classroom goals.
- Broaden their perspectives: Explore ideas, places, and practices that deepen their understanding of the subjects they teach.
- Build connections: Join a community of educators committed to continued learning and teaching excellence.
- Bring learning back to students: Translate their discoveries into engaging classroom experiences.
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund administers the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, supported by a permanent fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida established by Dan Edelman in honor of his wife, Cindy, a retired art history educator and champion of public education.
Educators with a bold idea for their own professional growth are encouraged to apply.
Application Details:
- Deadline: January 24, 2027
- Learn More & Apply: EdelmanFellowship.org | EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply
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Contact: Amy Henderson | (404) 387-0624 | amy@jaxpef.org
Join us in celebrating and investing in the power of teachers, because when educators dream big, students achieve even more.
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About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes every student should graduate high school inspired and prepared for success in college, career, and life. JPEF bridges public education by activating community support, connecting partners, and advancing effective ideas to support all students’ success. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.