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Southside Middle School algebra teacher surprised with $1,000 grant to use in classroom

The ‘Most Valuable Teacher’ program awards grants every week during football season

Ashley Fecca, an algebra teacher at Southside Middle School, was awarded the Most Valuable Teacher $1,000 grant by TaxSlayer Gator Bow, FIS and the College Football Playoff Foundation. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville teacher was surprised with a $1,000 grant Friday morning as part of the “Most Valuable Teacher” (MVT) program which celebrates the best educators across Northeast Florida every week during football season.

In 2021, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl partnered with FIS and the College Football Playoff Foundation to create the MVT program, which gives local teachers $1,000 to use in their classrooms.

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Ashley Fecca, an algebra teacher at Southside Middle School, was the first grant recipient of the 2024 football season.

“Thank you to the people that put this together for my students and I. I really appreciate it,” Fecca said. “I also want to thank all my students.”

In addition to the $1,000 grant, all teachers recognized throughout the season are invited to attend theTaxSlayer Gator Bowl and will be honored on-field during the game.

Ashley Fecca receiving the $1,000 grant. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

All public and charter school teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties are eligible to receive this grant.

“It’s always joy, but sometimes it’s overwhelming emotion, these teachers love what they do so much,” Vice President of Marketing, Membership & Community Relations for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Katie Cox said. “We’re humbled to do it and just have tremendous gratitude for getting to come make a difference in the classrooms.”

Visit this website to apply to be an MVT or nominate someone.


About the Author
Marcela Camargo headshot

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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