The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellows Q&A
9/11/2024
The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship is an unprecedented opportunity for K-12 Duval County public school teachers to elevate their teaching careers through a professional development activity of their choosing.
The team (Kimberly Parker, Jesica Pearce, and Jenifer Straley) traveled to Finland, which has an exemplary public school system with a whole-child approach to learning, to participate in the LIFE 2024 Shadowing Experience, which featured educators from six continents and 27 countries.
Read MoreUnlocking the Power of Youth Participants
Insights from the Wolfburg Fund for Social Justice Fellowship
8/30/2024
In an era where educational equity is more crucial than ever, the recent pilot study conducted through the Wolfburg Fund for Social Justice Fellowship and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) offers a potential roadmap for meaningful change. This year-long Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) initiative has unveiled critical insights into perspectives of social justice highlighting the role of students and teachers in driving systemic reform.
Read MorePrivate School Tax Credit Costs
Increased Tuition and Associated Costs
8/29/2024
The Oklahoman reported that after receiving state voucher funds, private schools also increased tuition and associated costs by more than the annualized rate of inflation and more than the cost of the tuition voucher.
“The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500… Parents thought the tax credit would reduce what they pay. Instead, many schools raised tuition in a comparable amount to the tax credit.”
It's Getting Hot in Here!
Hottest Summer on Record, AC, Performance, and CTE
8/23/2024
As July drew to a close, meteorologists reported that this summer was poised to be the hottest on record for Duval County. This heatwave has implications that extend far beyond discomfort;it highlights discussions about how temperature affects daily life and education. Reflecting on the significance of air conditioning in tropical climates, I was reminded of an insightful response by Singapore's Founding Father, Lee Kuan Yew, when asked about the key factors behind Singapore’s success. The answer: air conditioning.
Read MoreUnderstanding Teacher Well-Being and Retention in 2024
Teachers are twice as likely to experience job-related stress and burnout than their peers in other professions
7/10/2024
President’s Corner: Reflecting on High School Graduation in a Pandemic
JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune shares her thoughts as the parent of a senior.
High school graduation has been a recurring theme in the life of JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. In a new Q&A, Rachael shared what high school graduation means to her, and offered some words of inspiration for fellow parents who are w ...Read More
Half-penny sales tax will go on the ballot in fall 2020
Education advocates reacted to the news by saying they'll support the sales tax.
“This is a long-awaited historic moment in Duval County,” said JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. “Our students need 21st century schools, and our independent research has shown that 78.5 percent of Duval County residents support ...Read More
Education Innovator Speaks in Jacksonville about What Students Need to Succeed in the 21st Century
JPEF also celebrated 10 years of impact and launched a new School Leadership Initiative.
Dr. Tony Wagner, an internationally acclaimed author and education innovator, shared a thought-provoking message about the future of education with more than 350 education and community leaders today as the keynote speaker of the Jacksonville Publ ...Read More