Ashley Taylor, first-grade teacher at Callahan Elementary School, was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. More than 400 educators and supporters attended the annual gala held at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for the announcement.
Taylor has taught for eight years in Callahan and currently serves as the grade level chair, a member of the leadership committee, the chair of the SAC committee and the yearbook advisor.
“The opportunity to make a difference in a young child’s life, through their education, is one I am truly passionate about — being able to equip students with the tools to be successful and the confidence to do so is one that I am so blessed to do each and every day,” said Taylor.
In addition, Taylor has been an active member of the Callahan community, where she has taught dance for more than 20 years and now serves as the studio director at Callahan Dance Academy.
The Nassau Education Foundation began hosting the annual event to celebrate local teachers while raising money toward classroom grants. This year’s Hollywood Nights gala, sponsored in part by RYAM, Rayonier and United Healthcare, raised more than $130,000 as Taylor was announced as the 2023-24 Nassau County Teacher of the Year.
“Ashley’s passion shows in her dedication to the classroom and we are thrilled to honor and celebrate her accomplishments,” said Executive Director Susan DeVane.
The ninth annual event was hosted by Congressman Aaron Bean and Event Chair Brandy Carvalho, as they recognized teachers of the year from every school.
“We are an A-rated school district as a result of the hard work and commitment from our educators,” said Carvalho. “They truly make our job exciting and make us proud to present grants for their classroom.”
The night was filled with excitement and recognition as another outstanding leader was honored. Abby Bean, former executive director and founder of the Nassau Education Foundation, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of service and nearly $1 million raised toward classroom grants.
“Abby has made all this possible. She is the reason we can do so much for teachers today,” said DeVane.
The Nassau Education Foundation’s mission is to provide funding opportunities via classroom grants and assist initiatives that enhance public education as well as recognize and inspire teachers and students. For more information about the Nassau Education Foundation, visit www.nassaueducationfoundation.org.