Local elementary teacher nominated for EDDY awards

5 finalists in the running for Duval Co. Teacher of the Year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Teaching became a second career for Suzanne Evans, a language arts teacher at Fishweir Elementary School.  Now she's among a list of just five in the entire county who are considered the best educators.

"I worked in insurance and was a stay at home mom," described Evans about her "first career." She has been teaching now for 12 years, currently educating third graders.

Evans said she sees teaching as a privileged opportunity to inspire, encourage, assist and challenge members of our future society to experience life- long fascination with the power of knowledge.

"I believe understanding the student's needs and the pacing of instruction leads students to make significant gains," said Evans.  

She's clearly making a lasting impression on her students.  Former student, Callie Sellers described her experience in Ms. Evans class this way, "I loved her style and teaching and it definitely made me flourish in the classroom.  She will always be my favorite teacher and the best one I ever had."

The other nominees are:

  • Michael Bostic-Jones, Raines High School
  • Sabrina Hall, Andrew Jackson High School
  • Kifimbo Holloway-Parnell, Kirby-Smith Middle School
  • Jill Sullivan, Mayport Coastal Science Middle School


The public is welcome to attend the awards ceremony  March 11th at 7 p.m.  It will be held at the Times- Union Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $25.  Click here to learn more.


About the Author:

Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.