High-fives are in order for Dr. Mari Richardson of Jean Ribault High School, who snagged the title of 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. Richardson's win was announced at the EDDY Awards on January 24, and according to Duval County Public Schools, she was chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 180 Teachers of the Year candidates. Richardson, who holds a Ph.D. in Public Health Epidemiology, didn't set out to quickly become a leading educational figure, but her prior work with the Tennessee and Florida Departments of Public Health seems to have shaped her approach in the classroom.
What's next for Richardson? She will go on to represent the county in the high-stakes race for the statewide Teacher of the Year title. As the Science Department Chair, Richardson isn't just leading students, but she's also at the helm guiding fellow teachers, especially the newbies. She's been the mentor figure, providing the necessary support to make sure they get to navigate the educational waters without sinking. It's Richardson's impact that's truly measurable: over 85 percent of her students pass the Biology End of Course exam, despite many having never passed a state exam before they entered her class, as noted by the local school district.
Rewinding the tape on Richardson's career, teaching wasn't her first pit-stop. After some time in the classroom, she left to pursue medical school and further graduate study, and then stepped away from teaching a second time for five years. "It wasn’t until 2020, when I began working at Ribault High School as an environmental science teacher that I found what inspired me," Richardson told Duval County Public Schools. Her second act in teaching has been about more than delivering facts—it's been about instilling confidence and resilience in her students.
Duval County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Bernier expressed admiration for her work, Dr. Richardson "meets students where they are, helps them to exceed their own expectations, and creates a classroom where confidence and achievement grow together." The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) has been instrumental in getting to highlight educators' impact on the community. JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune says the awards are a chance to "recognize and celebrate their excellence," a sentiment echoed by VyStar Credit Union’s Senior Vice President and Foundation President Patricia McElroy, who praised Richardson's steadfast belief in her students, as per the Duval County Public Schools website.
Richardson's accolade comes with not just a title, but perks that extend into the realm of practical rewards and leadership opportunities: a cash prize, classroom grants, and, quite notably, a new set of wheels thanks to Jenkins Auto Group. She'll also get a seat on the JPEF Board of Directors as an ex-officio member for a year—a tradition for the county’s Teacher of the Year. This recognition isn’t just about one person; it’s about the role that teachers play in daily nurturing and challenging young minds. Out of the many nominees, 15 were picked as semifinalists and five as finalists, with Richardson ultimately clinching the top spot.
