JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A biology teacher at Jean Ribault High School was named the 2026 VyStar Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Mari Richardson, who has a Ph.D. in Public Health Epidemiology and worked for the Tennessee and Florida Departments of Public Health before entering the teaching profession, was selected from nearly 180 Teachers of the Year candidates by a committee of volunteers.
The announcement took place at the 35th Annual EDDY Awards on Saturday.
According to Duval County Public Schools, Richardson is the Science Department Chair at Ribault High School, serving as an instructional leader who supports teacher growth and student achievement. Moreover, she is a new teacher mentor, providing guidance, resources, and support to novice educators.
“It wasn’t until 2020, when I began working at Ribault High School as an environmental science teacher that I found what inspired me,” said Richardson. “Working with students who often face academic and personal challenges, I realized that teaching is not just about delivering content, it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. Seeing students who once doubted themselves master complex concepts, lead peer discussions, and achieve success on assessments reinforces my purpose every day.”
Richardson joined The Morning Show on Monday to talk about what this award means to her and what she hopes people across Florida understand about public school teachers and students.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Richardson in the video above
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