Blog

Appreciate Teachers, Before It's Too Late

10/4/2024

A friend of mine has been teaching fine arts for nearly a decade. His passion for the subject is undeniable, and like many teachers in specialized fields, he cares deeply about his work—often more than most of his students. So, you can imagine the immense joy he felt when one of his former students emailed him, sharing how a single lesson he taught changed the course of her life. That one message carried a value far beyond words, a reminder that teachers can have a life-changing impact. Yet, despite moments like these, according to Gallup, only 25% of teachers say they’ve received recognition for their work in the last seven days.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

How one parent used skills learned in Parents Who Lead to restart school PTA

10/4/2024

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Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellows apply lessons from Finland to classrooms

Visit to Finland schools highlights importance of play in learning

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.

Unlocking 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. 

Private 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.”