Winner of 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year will be announced | Nearly 180 of Duval County’s most outstanding educators will take center stage at the 35th Annual EDDY Awards on Saturday, Jan. 24, as the community comes together to celebrate excellence in teaching and name the 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year—who will go on to represent Duval County in the Florida Teacher of the Year program.
The EDDY Awards Teacher of the Year program is hosted by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and includes a year-long effort to celebrate and elevate Duval County’s best public school educators.
VyStar Credit Union is once again the title sponsor for the event, providing support and recognition events throughout the Teacher of the Year process. Deerwood Rotary is credited with elevating teacher recognition in Duval County, making the Teacher of the Year program a flagship project some 30 years ago. Today, Deerwood Rotary, along with Florida Blue and Deutsche Bank, are finalist sponsors for the EDDY Awards.
“We are thankful for our sponsors’ support of teachers and public education in Duval County,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. “At JPEF, we know the impact and importance of having highly qualified teachers in the classroom, and we are delighted to provide an opportunity for the community to thank these outstanding educators for all that they do every day on behalf of students.”
While Teachers of the Year from all public schools in Duval County will be recognized at the EDDY Awards, the event caps off with the announcement of the 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year.
That individual, selected by a diverse, community-based selection committee, will receive a cash prize, classroom grants provided by Deerwood Rotary and Florida Blue, and a new car courtesy of Jenkins Auto Group. The honoree will also join the Jacksonville Public Education Fund Board of Directors as an ex-officio member for the next year, as is tradition for every VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year.
The five finalists for the 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year are:
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Monica Gold, Arlington Middle School
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Michelle Flores, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
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Dr. Mari Richardson, Jean Ribault High School
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PeTika Tave, Reynolds Lane Elementary School
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Valerie Pitts-Wilson, Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School
Contact Amy Henderson at 404-387-0624 or amy@jaxpef.org for more information or additional photos.
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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 or a career and
life. JPEF serves as a bridge in support of public education, activating community support,
connecting partners and advancing effective ideas for the success of all students. For more
information: www.jaxpef.org.