At Fort Caroline Elementary School, Benton Jones is helping students discover that math is more than numbers — it’s resilience.
“As a kid, I remember looking at my hands and thinking… out of all the millions and billions of people in the world — how is it me that’s different?” said Jones.
Born with only a pinky finger on his right hand, he understands what it means to overcome doubt. In his classroom, students learn that challenges don’t define them — growth does.
Through encouragement and belief, Jones helps students build confidence that extends far beyond math.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
“As a kid, I remember looking at my hands and thinking… out of all the millions and billions of people in the world — how is it me that’s different?” said Jones.
Born with only a pinky finger on his right hand, he understands what it means to overcome doubt. In his classroom, students learn that challenges don’t define them — growth does.
Through encouragement and belief, Jones helps students build confidence that extends far beyond math.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At John E. Ford PK-8 Montessori, Erika Cunamay is helping students discover that learning can feel like play. In her pre-primary Montessori classroom, children build independence, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on exploration and collaboration.
Teaching students from ages three through kindergarten allows Cunamay to build strong relationships with families and watch her students grow year after year.
“My first three-year-old class is now in college,” said Erika Cunamay.
After 13 years with Duval County Public Schools, Cunamay says giving back to the community where she grew up and went to school makes her work even more meaningful.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Teaching students from ages three through kindergarten allows Cunamay to build strong relationships with families and watch her students grow year after year.
“My first three-year-old class is now in college,” said Erika Cunamay.
After 13 years with Duval County Public Schools, Cunamay says giving back to the community where she grew up and went to school makes her work even more meaningful.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Paxon High School, Spanish teacher Claudia Elliott is helping students build confidence through language and connection. In her classroom, students learn that communication extends beyond vocabulary — it connects them to their community and the world around them.
“I love watching students realize they can actually communicate with someone in another language. That moment builds confidence they carry far beyond my classroom,” said Claudia Elliott.
For more than a decade, Elliott has been part of the Duval County Public Schools family, creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow and succeed.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
“I love watching students realize they can actually communicate with someone in another language. That moment builds confidence they carry far beyond my classroom,” said Claudia Elliott.
For more than a decade, Elliott has been part of the Duval County Public Schools family, creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow and succeed.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Fishweir Elementary, second-grade teacher Elizabeth Dent is creating a classroom where students feel confident, supported, and encouraged to explore new ideas. Through her thoughtful approach to teaching, she helps students develop not only academic skills, but also the belief that they can succeed.
Now in her seventh year with Duval County Public Schools, Elizabeth continues to grow alongside her students, bringing curiosity and dedication into every lesson. Her work reflects the district’s commitment to nurturing both educators and learners in an environment built on collaboration and care.
Educators like Elizabeth are the foundation of our schools. If you are interested in making a difference for students and building a meaningful career in education, consider joining Team Duval.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Now in her seventh year with Duval County Public Schools, Elizabeth continues to grow alongside her students, bringing curiosity and dedication into every lesson. Her work reflects the district’s commitment to nurturing both educators and learners in an environment built on collaboration and care.
Educators like Elizabeth are the foundation of our schools. If you are interested in making a difference for students and building a meaningful career in education, consider joining Team Duval.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
CELEBRATING SCHOOL COUNSELORS — Team Duval is proud to recognize National School Counseling Week and the incredible impact our more than 240 school counselors make every single day. They advocate for students, help them navigate their academic journeys, and guide them toward their goals. Our success as an A-rated district with a 97.6% graduation rate would not be possible without these dedicated professionals. As part of this special week, dozens of counselors gathered at the Schultz Center for their annual conference, focused on building student “superpowers” like grit and resilience – perfectly aligned with the national theme of helping students thrive and preparing them for college, career, and life. Their commitment to growing their own “superpowers” directly fuels student success across Team Duval. Join us in thanking our outstanding school counselors for the lasting difference they make in our schools and community!
This Black History Month, Duval County Public Schools proudly recognizes the Black educators who inspire, lead, and make a lasting impact on students across our district. Every day, these teachers, mentors, and staff members help create classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence help shape the future of Duval County, both inside and outside the classroom.
Interested in making that same impact? Join Team Duval and become part of a district that values educators and the difference they make.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence help shape the future of Duval County, both inside and outside the classroom.
Interested in making that same impact? Join Team Duval and become part of a district that values educators and the difference they make.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Pinedale Elementary welcomed city leaders, community volunteers, and school leadership for the Real Men Read literacy event, where students and role models came together to celebrate the power of reading. Volunteers spent time sharing favorite stories, connecting with students, and modeling the joy of literacy in a fun, engaging environment.
Events like Real Men Read show what’s possible when a community rallies around learning — building confidence, strengthening relationships, and inspiring students to dream bigger.
Duval County Public Schools is always looking for people who want to make that kind of impact.
Join Team Duval at https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
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Events like Real Men Read show what’s possible when a community rallies around learning — building confidence, strengthening relationships, and inspiring students to dream bigger.
Duval County Public Schools is always looking for people who want to make that kind of impact.
Join Team Duval at https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
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Love Grove Elementary has reached a major milestone for Duval County Public Schools with its designation as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School National Banner recipient.
This national recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in creating an inclusive environment through Unified Sports, student leadership, and school-wide engagement. It reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring students of all abilities learn, grow, and succeed together.
At Love Grove, that work is led by educators and staff who believe every student belongs and every student has something to contribute. The banner serves as a symbol of the culture they have built — one rooted in respect, teamwork, and opportunity.
Duval County Public Schools is proud to celebrate the people behind this achievement and the impact they make every day across our schools.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
This national recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in creating an inclusive environment through Unified Sports, student leadership, and school-wide engagement. It reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring students of all abilities learn, grow, and succeed together.
At Love Grove, that work is led by educators and staff who believe every student belongs and every student has something to contribute. The banner serves as a symbol of the culture they have built — one rooted in respect, teamwork, and opportunity.
Duval County Public Schools is proud to celebrate the people behind this achievement and the impact they make every day across our schools.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Leadership at Duval County Public Schools shows up in the moments that bring a school community together.
At George Washington Carver Elementary School, Florida TaxWatch recognized Principal James with the Principal Leadership Award, presented by Bob Nave. The honor reflects her steady commitment to students and staff and the positive culture she continues to build at Carver.
The visit also created a meaningful moment for two students — twin scholars who were each awarded college scholarships — a reminder that success is even more powerful when it’s shared.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At George Washington Carver Elementary School, Florida TaxWatch recognized Principal James with the Principal Leadership Award, presented by Bob Nave. The honor reflects her steady commitment to students and staff and the positive culture she continues to build at Carver.
The visit also created a meaningful moment for two students — twin scholars who were each awarded college scholarships — a reminder that success is even more powerful when it’s shared.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Duval County Public Schools, leadership is about more than managing a campus — it’s about opening doors and changing lives.
At William M. Raines High School, Principal Hall embodies that mission every day. Recently recognized by Florida TaxWatch with the Principal Leadership Award, his impact was felt most powerfully in a moment no one expected. In front of his school community, Principal Hall surprised student Owen with a two-year college scholarship — a life-changing gift that left his family overwhelmed and brought tears to his mother’s eyes.
This is what leadership looks like in Duval County Public Schools: compassion, opportunity, and a commitment to students that lasts far beyond graduation. For those ready to lead, teach, and make a lasting difference, Team Duval offers the chance to be part of something bigger.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At William M. Raines High School, Principal Hall embodies that mission every day. Recently recognized by Florida TaxWatch with the Principal Leadership Award, his impact was felt most powerfully in a moment no one expected. In front of his school community, Principal Hall surprised student Owen with a two-year college scholarship — a life-changing gift that left his family overwhelmed and brought tears to his mother’s eyes.
This is what leadership looks like in Duval County Public Schools: compassion, opportunity, and a commitment to students that lasts far beyond graduation. For those ready to lead, teach, and make a lasting difference, Team Duval offers the chance to be part of something bigger.
Learn more about opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Duval County Public Schools, some classrooms open doors to more than a subject — they open doors to the world.
At Stanton College Preparatory School, Spanish teacher and World Language Department Chair Norma Crespo-Lowery has spent nearly 30 years creating that kind of experience for students. Her classroom is a place where language becomes confidence, culture becomes connection, and learning extends far beyond the bell schedule. Long after students graduate, many return with stories of using what they learned in college, travel, and careers — proof that her impact lasts well beyond high school.
This is what teaching with Duval County Public Schools looks like: meaningful relationships, lasting influence, and the opportunity to help students see what’s possible. If you’re passionate about your craft and ready to make a real difference, Team Duval is ready for you.
Learn more about teaching opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
At Stanton College Preparatory School, Spanish teacher and World Language Department Chair Norma Crespo-Lowery has spent nearly 30 years creating that kind of experience for students. Her classroom is a place where language becomes confidence, culture becomes connection, and learning extends far beyond the bell schedule. Long after students graduate, many return with stories of using what they learned in college, travel, and careers — proof that her impact lasts well beyond high school.
This is what teaching with Duval County Public Schools looks like: meaningful relationships, lasting influence, and the opportunity to help students see what’s possible. If you’re passionate about your craft and ready to make a real difference, Team Duval is ready for you.
Learn more about teaching opportunities with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
Davie Henderson is already making a strong impression in his first year at Crystal Springs Elementary. A fifth-grade teacher and former Duquesne University football player, Davie brings the same discipline, teamwork, and drive from the field into his classroom every day.
Since moving to Jacksonville four years ago and beginning his teaching career in August, Davie has quickly become known for showing up for students in meaningful ways—whether that’s working through math problems in class, greeting students in the hallway, or supporting them at weekend football games.
Teacher Development and Support Specialist Allyson Popp says Davie’s passion for teaching and commitment to constant growth set him apart, noting that he never stops seeking new ways to better serve his students.
Davie Henderson was named Duval County Public Schools’ Rookie Teacher of the Month for January, and his impact is just getting started.
Interested in starting your own journey in education? Join Team Duval and explore careers with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
Since moving to Jacksonville four years ago and beginning his teaching career in August, Davie has quickly become known for showing up for students in meaningful ways—whether that’s working through math problems in class, greeting students in the hallway, or supporting them at weekend football games.
Teacher Development and Support Specialist Allyson Popp says Davie’s passion for teaching and commitment to constant growth set him apart, noting that he never stops seeking new ways to better serve his students.
Davie Henderson was named Duval County Public Schools’ Rookie Teacher of the Month for January, and his impact is just getting started.
Interested in starting your own journey in education? Join Team Duval and explore careers with Duval County Public Schools:
https://www.duvalschools.org/page/careers
At Duval County Public Schools, classrooms are becoming global — and students are better for it.
This year, 41 new international teachers from Jamaica, the Philippines, and Ghana are joining classrooms across the district, adding to a community of 365 international educators serving students from elementary school through high school.
They bring more than lessons and credentials. They bring culture, perspective, and lived experiences that help students see the world beyond their classroom walls — while meeting critical needs in schools across Duval County Public Schools.
Teaching here is about connection, opportunity, and impact — and if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger, Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
This year, 41 new international teachers from Jamaica, the Philippines, and Ghana are joining classrooms across the district, adding to a community of 365 international educators serving students from elementary school through high school.
They bring more than lessons and credentials. They bring culture, perspective, and lived experiences that help students see the world beyond their classroom walls — while meeting critical needs in schools across Duval County Public Schools.
Teaching here is about connection, opportunity, and impact — and if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger, Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Duval County Public Schools’ Englewood High School, Daniel Reed is helping students find more than just rhythm — he’s helping them find their voice.
“The music is just a vehicle for change,” Daniel says. “It becomes a second voice for our students — and when it clicks, you can’t stop them.”
Through music, mentorship, and creativity, his band room is a place where students build confidence, connect with one another, and discover what they’re capable of.
If you’ve ever wanted to make that kind of impact, Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
“The music is just a vehicle for change,” Daniel says. “It becomes a second voice for our students — and when it clicks, you can’t stop them.”
Through music, mentorship, and creativity, his band room is a place where students build confidence, connect with one another, and discover what they’re capable of.
If you’ve ever wanted to make that kind of impact, Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Some teachers teach lessons. Others teach students.
At Duval County Public Schools’ Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Kevin Smith’s classroom is built on curiosity, conversation, and big questions — not multiple-choice answers.
“This course has no correct answers,” Kevin says. “Two people who disagree can both be right.”
After four careers, teaching is where it finally clicked. With the support to try new ideas and administrators who truly have his back, Kevin has found a place where educators are trusted to do what they do best.
If you’ve ever wanted to teach this way — to guide students instead of just grading them — Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
At Duval County Public Schools’ Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Kevin Smith’s classroom is built on curiosity, conversation, and big questions — not multiple-choice answers.
“This course has no correct answers,” Kevin says. “Two people who disagree can both be right.”
After four careers, teaching is where it finally clicked. With the support to try new ideas and administrators who truly have his back, Kevin has found a place where educators are trusted to do what they do best.
If you’ve ever wanted to teach this way — to guide students instead of just grading them — Team Duval is ready for you.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Yesterday’s Hiring Fair brought big energy — and Duval County Public Schools is still feeling it as our newest hires share their stories on camera.
Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to inspire, to lead, and to make a real difference for students across our district.
The smiles, the conversations, the excitement — and now the voices of those who signed on — all reminded us how many incredible people are ready to step into our schools and shine.
We look forward to welcoming this new talent into our Team Duval family.
If you missed the fair or you're feeling inspired, opportunities are always open.
Come join the A-team with Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
The Schultz Center was full of energy today as candidates streamed in for the Duval County Public Schools Job Fair. From the moment doors opened, interviews were moving fast, teams were meeting new talent, and same-day offers were being made on the spot.
You could feel the excitement in every corner — people ready to make a difference, ready to step into our schools, and ready to join Team Duval. Paraprofessional and teacher candidates showed up prepared, confident, and committed, and we’re thrilled to welcome today’s new hires into classrooms across the district.
Events like this remind us how many passionate people want to support our students — and how strong our community truly is.
If you missed this session, we’re always hiring — and there’s always room for more great people to join the A-team with Team Duval.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
You could feel the excitement in every corner — people ready to make a difference, ready to step into our schools, and ready to join Team Duval. Paraprofessional and teacher candidates showed up prepared, confident, and committed, and we’re thrilled to welcome today’s new hires into classrooms across the district.
Events like this remind us how many passionate people want to support our students — and how strong our community truly is.
If you missed this session, we’re always hiring — and there’s always room for more great people to join the A-team with Team Duval.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
In Amy Boyter’s first-grade classroom at San Jose Elementary, learning starts small — a single sound, a single letter, a spark of confidence.
Amy didn’t come into teaching through a traditional path. She began as a homeroom mom, then a paraprofessional. One teacher saw something in her and said six words that changed everything: “You should be a teacher.”
Eight years of classes later, she returned to the place where it all began.
Twenty-five years in, her classroom is still a starting point — where letters become words, words become ideas, and children find their voice.
“This was my first job, and I’ve never left,” she says. And every day, she proves that small beginnings can lead to powerful futures.
At Duval County Public Schools, educators like Amy Boyter remind us that reading isn’t just taught — it’s built, nurtured, and opened like a door to the world.
If you’re ready to open doors too, we’d love to have you on our team.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Amy didn’t come into teaching through a traditional path. She began as a homeroom mom, then a paraprofessional. One teacher saw something in her and said six words that changed everything: “You should be a teacher.”
Eight years of classes later, she returned to the place where it all began.
Twenty-five years in, her classroom is still a starting point — where letters become words, words become ideas, and children find their voice.
“This was my first job, and I’ve never left,” she says. And every day, she proves that small beginnings can lead to powerful futures.
At Duval County Public Schools, educators like Amy Boyter remind us that reading isn’t just taught — it’s built, nurtured, and opened like a door to the world.
If you’re ready to open doors too, we’d love to have you on our team.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
In Stephanie Jenkins’ 8th-grade science classroom at Arlington Middle School, learning goes beyond the lab table and into the real world.
Her students aren’t just memorizing vocabulary — they’re questioning, debating, and connecting their lessons to life outside the classroom. In a school surrounded by concrete, she brings in the rainforest, the islands, and the bigger world they may not get to see yet.
For Stephanie, this work is personal. She’s a product of Duval County herself — a student who once sat in these same classrooms before stepping into this one as a teacher. And while science was always her dream job, she says what matters most now is giving her students the opportunities she knows they don’t always get.
“I know I’ve reached them when they start asking more questions… when they start arguing about it and bringing real life into the classroom,” she said. “That’s when I know they’re really thinking.”
Those questions, those debates, those moments — that’s where confidence grows. That’s where students start to realize what they already had inside them.
Because for Stephanie, teaching science isn’t just about facts or labs. It’s about curiosity. It’s about opportunity.
And it’s about helping students see there are no limits on what they can become.
At Duval County Public Schools, educators like Stephanie Jenkins remind us that science isn’t just a subject — it’s a doorway.
If you’re ready to open that door for the next generation, we’d love to have you on our team.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Her students aren’t just memorizing vocabulary — they’re questioning, debating, and connecting their lessons to life outside the classroom. In a school surrounded by concrete, she brings in the rainforest, the islands, and the bigger world they may not get to see yet.
For Stephanie, this work is personal. She’s a product of Duval County herself — a student who once sat in these same classrooms before stepping into this one as a teacher. And while science was always her dream job, she says what matters most now is giving her students the opportunities she knows they don’t always get.
“I know I’ve reached them when they start asking more questions… when they start arguing about it and bringing real life into the classroom,” she said. “That’s when I know they’re really thinking.”
Those questions, those debates, those moments — that’s where confidence grows. That’s where students start to realize what they already had inside them.
Because for Stephanie, teaching science isn’t just about facts or labs. It’s about curiosity. It’s about opportunity.
And it’s about helping students see there are no limits on what they can become.
At Duval County Public Schools, educators like Stephanie Jenkins remind us that science isn’t just a subject — it’s a doorway.
If you’re ready to open that door for the next generation, we’d love to have you on our team.
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
Cedar Hills Elementary is celebrating something special today. Math Interventionist Vincent Taylor was recently named the 2024–2025 Cedar Hills Elementary Teacher of the Year — a recognition of his energy, creativity, and dedication to student success.
For nearly 30 years, Mr. Taylor has brought joy and purpose to his work, helping students build confidence and discover a love for learning. His impact can be felt in every small group, every lesson, and every moment when a concept finally “clicks.”
Duval County Public Schools is proud to celebrate educators like Mr. Taylor who inspire the next generation every day.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
For nearly 30 years, Mr. Taylor has brought joy and purpose to his work, helping students build confidence and discover a love for learning. His impact can be felt in every small group, every lesson, and every moment when a concept finally “clicks.”
Duval County Public Schools is proud to celebrate educators like Mr. Taylor who inspire the next generation every day.
Join Team Duval:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/careers
