JACKSONVILLE – More than 100 teachers, community members and education leaders will huddle up in support of diverse male teachers at the Jaguars training camp on Tuesday, Aug 1. Following the morning training camp, the teachers will attend afternoon sessions at the stadium on topics designed to equip them as teachers and leaders.
Sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, the 2023 Back-to-School-Huddle provides support to Black and Latino male educators in Duval County. The event is part of JPEF’s initiative to recruit, support and retain 1,000 diverse male teachers by 2025.
Research has shown that all students benefit from having diverse teachers as role models. National studies show students of color are disadvantaged by a lack of teacher diversity as they are more likely to be seen as having discipline problems and less likely to qualify for gifted and talented programs.
Through the NFL's Inspire Change platform, the Jacksonville Jaguars supported the initiative in several ways, including sponsoring the Lift and Lead Conference earlier this year, where Inside Linebackers Coach Tony Gilbert was featured. Also, last season wide receiver Jamal Agnew chose the initiative to support through the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign.
“The Jaguars are honored to welcome these educators as our guests at training camp this week,” said Chief Community Impact Officer Whitney Meyer. “Our team is getting ready for the season just like our teachers are getting ready for the upcoming school year. We hope they enjoy the experience and learn from our team and each other.”
“We appreciate the support from the Jaguars team and Foundation,” said JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. “Our research into current diverse male teachers shows that feeling supported by their fellow teachers, the administration, and the community is a key element to continuing their careers as teachers. Events like this provide an opportunity for Black male and Latino teachers to come together and support each other, discuss topics relevant to them, and feel appreciated for what they do.”
JPEF announced the 1,000 by 2025 initiative in 2021 and has been working with partners, including Duval County Public Schools and the University of North Florida to establish a collective impact model that can be adapted nationwide for recruiting, retaining, and supporting Black and Latino male teachers. For more information on the 1,000 by 2025 initiative, please visit TeachDuval.com.
Contact Amy Henderson at amy@jaxpef.org or 404-387-0624 for more information.
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About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes in the potential of all students. We work tirelessly to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color. We convene educators, school system leaders and the community to pilot and help scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.