I did my internship with Duval County, and as soon as I stepped into a Duval County classroom, I knew I wanted to be hired into this district. I’ve been with Duval ever since.

I’m a product of Duval County Public Schools. My children are a part of Duval County Public Schools. Without Duval County Public Schools, I wouldn’t be who I am today.I feel like my job as an educator—you did it! You’re helping guide them to become independent, successful learners, and I just hope I played a small part in helping them love learning so that one day, when they look back on my class, it truly meant something to them.

For me, it means diversity and integration—but it’s also my home and my dream. I love seeing all the amazing things my students can do and making them feel like they’re truly part of a community. That’s the best part for me.

It gives me a great honor knowing I'm helping students understand something at first they didn't understand.I feel so connected to this community. I love the small-town feel, and I love the family we have here at this school. The staff and faculty make it special, and it just feels good to be part of something like this.

I’ve invested in their education, and Duval County has invested in their education, too. For me, it’s all about connecting with the kids—and as a parent of two students who attended Duval Public Schools, that makes it even more meaningful.

I think I was created to be a caretaker, and that’s why I became a teacher. It warms my heart knowing I’m making a difference in my students’ lives.

This is my second career. I started as a social worker when I first came to Jacksonville. The students still need us—and that’s why I do this every single day.

You’ve got to love what you do if you’re going to do it every day—and I still love it. I think that says something.

I get to witness so many firsts—seeing a child write their name, solve a problem, or make their first friend—and those moments remind me why I do this. Duval County gave me the chance to do what I love, to stay connected to my why, and my students are my why.

I’m a product of Duval County Public Schools, and my children are part of this district too. Without Duval County Public Schools, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Hopefully, many of these students will become the leaders of tomorrow. We want them to develop independent learning and leadership skills, so we build that into everything we do—and I put my all into this work because it gives back to me. This position has truly allowed me to meet my dreams.

I love what I do, and last year one of my Algebra students ended up winning my Aeronautics competition. Moments like that just fill my heart.

Working for Duval is exciting because when you bring that energy, the kids feel it too. The positivity and the stories we share connect with them, and moments like this can reach further than we can even imagine.

What I love about working for Duval is getting to plant those seeds, nurture them, and then see my students connect with each other and use what they’ve learned in the real world. That’s what makes this job so exciting.

What I love about working for Duval is being part of a close community where our kindergartners learn through play, build real-world skills, and I get to help them grow every day.

Working for Duval at a culture school like San Jose gives me the confidence to teach creatively and make every minute with my students count.

What I love about working for Duval is how these students brighten my day with their creativity and intelligence. Even on the challenging days, I know I’m doing something special, helping them learn and thrive in the environment they deserve.

My biggest motivation is the love I have for my students. Seeing them gain confidence, embrace their bilingual abilities, and grow inspires me every day to keep creating fun, meaningful lessons for them.

What I love about working for Duval is knowing I get to help students feel confident in a new language and culture. Watching them grow, become independent, and thrive on their own is why I do this every day.

What I love about working for Duval is connecting with students who remind me of my own journey learning English. Helping them grow, seeing their smiles every day, and knowing I get to make that kind of impact means everything to me.

What I love about working for Duval is knowing I get to make a lasting impact. When a former student reaches out years later to say I helped change their life, that’s worth more than gold—and it’s why I still love teaching after all these years.

For me, teaching at Duval is about connection. I jump into the activities with my students, make lessons fun, and keep them engaged so they don’t just learn English—they become critical thinkers ready to take on the world.

Teaching science hands-on and seeing students connect with what they’re learning is why I stay passionate about Duval. It’s about making lessons memorable and staying dedicated for the long haul.

What I love about teaching PE in Duval is the energy and variety every day. Helping kids build healthy habits, teamwork, and confidence is more than a job—it’s my dream.

What I love about teaching in Duval is the opportunity to challenge students every day and help them grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens ready for the future.

What I love about teaching in Duval is how I can connect with each student—using movement, creativity, and personalizing lessons to help them not just learn, but grow into happy, healthy, and productive members of our community.

Teaching in Duval means more than lessons—it’s about forming real connections with students and their families, and sparking a love of reading that can transform their whole learning experience.