University of North Florida (University of North Flor, Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, on behalf of philanthropist Gilchrist Berg, will surprise four local teachers with the 2026 Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence and $17,000 each, one of the largest monetary awards for teachers in the nation.
The awards will be presented at:
Sandalwood High School
Kernan Trail Elementary School
LaVilla School of the Arts
Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies High School
The Gladys Prior Awards were established in 1998 by Berg, founder and president of Water Street Capital, to honor teachers with lifelong careers in education. Berg has given more than $2 million to recognize Jacksonville teachers. The award is named for Berg’s fourth-grade teacher at Ortega Elementary School, Gladys Prior.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorsJonathan Lundy headshotJonathan Lundy
Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville.
Carlos Acevedo headshotCarlos Acevedo
Carlos Acevedo is a photojournalist at WJXT News4Jax and a University of North Florida graduate with a degree in Communications, concentrating in Digital Video Production. Since joining News4Jax in 2024, he has been responsible for shooting compelling news stories that capture and share important events with the community.
Tour your dream home without the pressure 👀🏡
▶ 1:09
Tour your dream home without the pressure 👀🏡Color the Weather: Willie’s Forecast ☀️📚
▶ 1:57
Color the Weather: Willie’s Forecast ☀️📚Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veterans
▶ 0:59
Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veteransMan fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Southside
▶ 0:56
Man fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville’s SouthsideJacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years ago
▶ 0:55
Jacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years agoRiver City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app
▶ 0:50
River City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app‘First-of-its-kind’ affordable apartments coming to Northside; 25% of units reserved for DCPS staff
▶ 1:22
‘First-of-its-kind’ affordable apartments coming to Northside; 25% of units reserved for DCPS staffState approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime prevention
▶ 1:08
State approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionWhat really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀
▶ 0:57
What really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀A new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?
▶ 0:56
A new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL season
▶ 1:00
Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL seasonThe Raines 4×400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨
▶ 1:02
The Raines 4×400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨JEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshop
▶ 1:38
JEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopFormer dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count dropped
▶ 0:44
Former dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count droppedFrom gold to green, just a few more days and it’s harvest time!
▶ 4:12
From gold to green, just a few more days and it’s harvest time!Heat, water concerns grown as drought drags on in Jacksonville
▶ 1:19
Heat, water concerns grown as drought drags on in JacksonvilleAdded JSO patrols at Raines High after shooting near school
▶ 0:58
Added JSO patrols at Raines High after shooting near school‘Caught by surprise’: Former JEA chair testifies as council considers expanding investigation
▶ 1:05
‘Caught by surprise’: Former JEA chair testifies as council considers expanding investigationState attorney sends JEA subpoena for records about former Mayor Lenny Curry’s lobbying firm
▶ 1:31
State attorney sends JEA subpoena for records about former Mayor Lenny Curry’s lobbying firmThey’re mighty, mighty, mighty and they’re all about to sprout!
▶ 4:03
They’re mighty, mighty, mighty and they’re all about to sprout!1 person injured in shooting near Raines High School that prompted lockdown, no students injured
▶ 1:54
1 person injured in shooting near Raines High School that prompted lockdown, no students injuredYulee parents turn rare diagnosis into mission for awareness and research
▶ 1:14
Yulee parents turn rare diagnosis into mission for awareness and researchArtemis II’s astronauts splashdown off coast of San Diego
▶ 1:07
Artemis II’s astronauts splashdown off coast of San DiegoBaptist Health confirms Cigna contract termination. Here’s what that means for patients
▶ 1:23
Baptist Health confirms Cigna contract termination. Here’s what that means for patientsFDLE says missing Clay County girl might be drawn to woods, train tracks
▶ 1:02
FDLE says missing Clay County girl might be drawn to woods, train tracksPrevious photoNext photo