OREANDA-NEWS. Deutsche Bank Jacksonville is joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in pledging support for the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) on a teacher recognition program in Duval County. As the new Teacher Leadership Partner of JPEF's annual EDDY Awards, Deutsche Bank will support JPEF’s ongoing work to elevate leadership among the county’s best public school educators.

“Deutsche Bank is committed to excellence in teaching and helping build a brighter future for the students of Duval County,” said Leslie Slover, Regional Head of Jacksonville and Cary, NC. “It is an honor to support the Jacksonville Public Education Fund through a grant and partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars to make this program a success. A strong and vibrant education system means everyone is a winner: teachers, students, businesses and the entire community.”

The year-long series of events kicks off on Wednesday, October 5, with the Teacher of the Year Orientation and Reception at the U.S. Assure Club at EverBank Field. Slover will speak at the ceremony formally announcing 173 nominees for the Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year award. The nominees will submit detailed applications this fall that will be evaluated by a series of community committees, culminating on February 24 at the Hyatt Regency, where the 2017 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year recipient is announced and all teachers are honored at the 26th Annual EDDY Awards.

Deutsche Bank joins a long list of local businesses and community organizations that support teachers through the annual Duval County Teacher of the Year program, including Florida Blue and the Rotary Clubs of Duval County. In addition to the EDDY Awards, JPEF works with teachers throughout the year to bring educator voices to the policymaking table through its Teacher Roundtable program and to support classroom innovation through its PowerUP Jax grant program. Deutsche Bank’s support will also help sustain and grow these efforts.