Vincent Taylor Named 2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year

Vincent Taylor, a math interventionist at Cedar Hills Elementary School and author of the popular “Cornbread” series of children’s books, was named the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year at the 34^th Annual EDDY Awards on Saturday, January 18th. Taylor, a teacher with 27 years of classroom experience, was selected from nearly 180 Teachers of the Year by a committee of volunteers.  

As the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year, Taylor will go on to compete for the statewide title. 

Taylor is a highly accomplished educator, mentor, author, and presenter with over two decades of experience in curriculum design, professional development, and instructional leadership. Holding advanced degrees from the University of Florida (Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction) and the University of North Florida (Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education), he has excelled as a teacher, Math Coach, and mentor within the Duval County Public Schools since 1996. 

Notable achievements include founding The Young Gentlemen Group, a school-based mentorship program, and TriEclipse Publishing, Inc., where he authored 10 children’s books and a professional development book titled “If Instruction Isn’t Engaging, I Quit!” His expertise has been showcased at numerous national conferences and professional development sessions, having provided training to over 50,000 educators across the United States.

Among his accolades are receiving the 2022 NAACP Olivia Gay-Davis Award, the 2021 Literacy Legacy Award, and the 2014 mayoral recognition for his mentorship program. 

Teaching was not Taylor’s original career choice. He intended to become a college counselor, but learned he had to get teaching experience first. “The teaching bug bit me, and I fell in love with the art of teaching and learning,” he said. “I then realized this was my destiny. I learned during those years that life is not solely about self-preservation. It is about leaving a legacy of philanthropy where we seek ways to ensure we help others and see them thrive and find success.”

"Whether he is singing, dancing, or donning his famous Cornbread costume, Vincent Taylor knows how to reach into his creative toolbox to achieve one of the hardest feats in education — making learning fun," said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier. "With his infectious energy, Mr. Taylor captivates his students and ignites within them a love of learning. He brings the fun, and the joy in his classroom is palpable.  All of the boundless, contagious energy for educating children that I have seen among our Team Duval educators is perfectly encapsulated in Vincent Taylor." 

"We are delighted to honor Mr. Taylor as the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year," said Patricia McElroy, SVP and Foundation president of VyStar Credit Union. "His dedication to education and the profound impact he has on his students exemplify his exceptional commitment to excellence. With a 27-year teaching career that includes roles as a math interventionist, coach, and author, Mr. Taylor's passion for inspiring others and making a positive difference in education is evident. We are proud to support and recognize educators like Mr. Taylor, who continually transform lives and positively influence communities."

The EDDY Awards Teacher of the Year program is hosted by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) and is accompanied by a year-long effort to celebrate and elevate Duval County’s best public-school educators. 

“The EDDY Awards allow us to shine a spotlight on the heart of our education system—our teachers,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of JPEF. “Vincent Taylor exemplifies what it means to inspire, innovate, and impact lives. His boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to his students reflect the transformative power of education. By celebrating Mr. Taylor and all our incredible educators, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in those who shape the future of our community. We are thrilled to honor Mr. Taylor as the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year and are confident he will make us proud as he represents Duval County at the state level."

Each of the school-level Teachers of the Year are also eligible for on-going professional learning opportunities through JPEF. 

In addition to a cash prize, a classroom grant thanks to the Deerwood Rotary Club and Florida Blue, and a 2025 Hyundai Tucson from Jenkins Auto Group, Taylor will join the Jacksonville Public Education Fund Board of Directors as an ex-officio member for the next year, as is tradition with every VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. 

Teachers of the year from nearly 180 schools were nominated, and evaluated by committees of volunteers, who ultimately narrowed the down to 15 semi-finalists, and then five finalists.