UNF surprises four local teachers with $17K Gladys Prior awards

The University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), on behalf of philanthropist Gilchrist Berg, today surprised four local Jacksonville teachers with the 2024 Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence and $17,000 each, one of the largest monetary awards for teachers in the nation.

The 2024 award winners are Susan Morganfrom John E. Ford Pre K-8 School, Jesica Pearcefrom Lake Lucina Elementary School, Kristi St. Johnfrom LaVilla School of The Arts and Ilyssa Tomlinsonfrom Loretto Elementary School. The four teachers have more than 90 years of combined experience serving students in the Duval County Public Schools, and Morgan, St. John and Tomlinson are proud UNF alumni.

The Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence were established in 1998 by Berg, founder and president of Water Street Capital, to honor teachers with lifelong careers in education. Over the last 26 years, Berg has given more than $2 million to honor Jacksonville teachers. The award is named after Berg's fourth-grade teacher at Ortega Elementary School, Gladys Prior. UNF's COEHS manages the gift and arranges the annual surprise award for each teacher at their school surrounded by students, faculty and staff.

"The UNF College of Education and Human Services is honored to manage the Gladys Prior Career Teaching Awards and have a part in honoring educators who are making a significant impact in our community," said Dr. Jennifer Kane, UNF COEHS interim dean. "We are very appreciative of Gilchrist Berg for his continued commitment to recognize and award our local educators."