Dec. 5, 2023 — Congratulations to the 15 semifinalists for the 2024 VyStar Teacher of the Year award.
The semifinalists are composed of veteran educators as well as teachers earlier in their career. Five of the 15 will go on to compete for the title of Duval County Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced on Jan. 20, 2024, at the annual EDDY Awards.
Below are the names of the semifinalists (pictured left to right, top to bottom in the above photo).
Visit the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) for more information including a short bio on each semifinalist.
Semifinalists
Ana Andenmatten, Mandarin Oaks Elementary School
Jazline Clark, Arlington Middle School
Alana Davis, IDEA Bassett College Prep
Gustavo Guzman, Terry Parker High School
Marissa Hein, Alimacani Elementary School
Deborah Lepper, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology
Ashlyn Lupinski, River City Science Academy Innovation
Tonya Robinson-McNair, Hyde Grove Elementary School
Mariah Rucker, KIPP Impact Academy
Kimberly Sedgwick, Arlington Heights Elementary School
Katrice Shorter, Atlantic Coast High School
Leonard Smith, Fort Caroline Elementary School
Jenifer Straley, Lake Lucina Elementary School
Tery Ann Torres, San Jose Elementary School
Juana Zargon, Love Grove Elementary School