Jim Schmitt, who teaches history and global perspectives and research at Mandarin High School and was named the 2021 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year, is a 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year state finalist.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2021 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year got another surprise on Tuesday when members of The Players organization stopped by his school. Jim Schmitt, who teaches history and global perspectives and research at Mandarin High School, is a huge golf fan. So a group from The Players Championship stopped by the school Tuesday morning to give Schmitt a gift basket, which included two tickets to this year’s sold-out Players Championship! Throughout his career, he has excelled as a teacher leader, developing a writing program for at-risk students, writing a $10,000 grant for a school-to-work program, and serving as a standards coach. When COVID-19 hit, he took a leadership role in helping teachers collaborate even more, developing a community discussion group to exchange technology strategies that work.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jim Schmitt, who teaches history and global perspectives and research at Mandarin High School, was named the 2021 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. The 30th annual awards show, presented by VyStar Credit Union and hosted by News4Jax anchor Melanie Lawson, was also streamed on News4Jax.com. Teachers teaching teachers and being part of that makes it so special to me.”And Jim Schmitt is the 2021 @OfficialVyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year!! PHOTO GALLERY: See images from the 30th Annual EDDY Awards“You are all winners, and Jim is just the one who is going to stand and represent Duval,” said Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. “This year, especially, Duval County Public Schools has gone through a great deal, and our educators have really stepped up and really supported our students in our community,” Greene said.