Jacksonville News

Applications now open for Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship

Jacksonville Public Education Fund

40 East Adams Street, Suite 110

Jacksonville, FL 32202

(904) 356-7757

Photo Caption: Alexandra Hall, a teacher at River City Science Academy Innovation, participated in an Ecology Project International program in Costa Rica along with her fellow teacher Stephanie White, as part of their Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship. The focus of their fellowship was to integrate real-world environmental issues into their math and science curriculum.

Applications Now Open for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship

Empowering Duval County Teachers to Dream Big and Learn Without Limits

Jacksonville, Florida – October 30, 2025 – The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, a transformative program designed to empower K–12 Duval County public school teachers to design and pursue professional learning experiences of their own creation.

Applications opened October 1 and will remain open through January 16, 2026. Interested educators can learn more and apply online at EdelmanFellowship.org or go directly to the application page at EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply.

The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship provides funding for innovative professional learning opportunities that go beyond traditional development models—whether through international exchanges, advanced workshops, research programs, or other creative educational pursuits. The goal is to inspire teachers to bring new ideas, global perspectives, and renewed passion back into their classrooms.

Program Highlights:

• Transformative Learning: Fellows design their own immersive, career-enhancing experiences that inspire creativity and strengthen their impact in the classroom.
• Professional Growth: Participants receive mentorship, resources, and opportunities to grow as leaders and innovators in education.
• Community Connection: Fellows join a collaborative network of educators committed to teaching excellence and continued professional development.
• Student Impact: The Fellowship’s hands-on approach translates into richer learning environments and stronger outcomes for Duval County students.
  
  Since the Fellowship’s inception in 2020, 17 outstanding public school teachers have been selected to participate. Their experiences have included global learning trips, research collaborations, and specialized training designed to elevate their teaching practice.
  
  “Great teachers share an incredible passion to elevate their practice so they can be more effective in the classroom,” said Cindy Edelman, retired art history educator and founder of the Fellowship. “With this fellowship, we open doors for dedicated professionals to design the learning experiences they need to advance their craft and inspire students.”
  
  “When they encouraged us to ‘think big and go big,’ they meant it,” said Logan Davis, 8th grade science teacher at River City Science Academy and past Fellow. “I spent 10 days in the Galapagos Islands working with biologists and other teachers to study environmental impact. It changed how I teach science and how my students see the world.”
  
  The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship is administered by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and supported by a permanent fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, established by Dan Edelman in honor of his wife, Cindy—a lifelong champion of public education.
  
  Application Details:
• Applications Opened: October 1, 2025
• Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Learn More & Apply: EdelmanFellowship.org | EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply
• Contact: Amy Henderson | (404) 387-0624 | amy@jaxpef.org
  
  Join us in celebrating and investing in the power of teachers—because when educators dream big, students achieve even more.
  
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  About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
  The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes every student should graduate high school inspired and prepared for success in college or a career and life. JPEF serves as a bridge in support of public education, activating community support, connecting partners, and advancing effective ideas for the success of all students. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.