Congratulations to Tiger Academy English language arts teacher Edward Moore, one of four recipients of this year’s Gladys Prior Awards from the University of North Florida.
Moore teaches fifth-grade at Tiger Academy. He has spent 15 years developing rapport with students beyond graduation, attending events he is invited to by his students and serving as a mentor for teacher candidates. He is also a founding member of Brothers Accountable Driven and Determined (BADD).
Every year, the University of North Florida’s College of Education and Human Services has the privilege of recognizing deserving, local school teachers through this one-of-a-kind award. It’s among the largest monetary awards for teachers in the nation, with each teacher receiving $15,000.
Gilchrist Berg, a Jacksonville-area businessman and longtime YMCA supporter, established the awards in 1998 to honor his 4th grade teacher, Gladys Prior. So far Berg has given over $2 million to honor Jacksonville teachers.
Teachers are nominated based on criteria including evidence of sustained inspiration to students, evidence of sustained teaching excellence and 10 or more years in the classroom.
This is the second time a Tiger Academy teacher has been selected to receive the award. In 2016, kindergarten teacher Susan Harper accepted the honor.
Through a unique partnership with the First Coast YMCA, Tiger Academy focuses on providing a nurturing learning environment while emphasizing rigorous learning academic standards, personal responsibility, character development, and strong family involvement.
