JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Exploration in education, that's how Kifimbo Parnell describes how she inspires children in her middle school classroom at Kirby-Smith. She does this by encouraging her students to do more than read their text books. Her students have produced documentaries about certain topics they have studied. It has led them to compete and defend their research twice during a state level competition at the National History Day Fair.
Parnell is one of five nominees for Teacher of The Year in Duval County. She currently teaches eighth-grade language arts. Among the highlights of her career at Kirby-Smith Middle school:
- PTSA Reflections chair
- Florida State History Fair Film Contributions
- First Coast Scholars
- Black History Month director
Parnell is one of vie local teachers nominated for the Duval County Teacher of the Year award, also known as the EDDY Awards.
- Michael Bostic-Jones, from Raines High School
- Suzanne Evans, from Fishweir Elementary
- Sabrina Hall, from Andrew Jackson High School
- Jill Sullivan, from Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School
This year's winner will be announced on March 11th during a ceremony at the Times-Union Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25. The event begins at 7;30 p.m. Click here to learn more.