Ribault High anatomy teacher Charles Darwin Magdaluyo named 2022 Teacher of the Year

Ribault High educator Charles Darwin Magdaluyo, who teaches human anatomy and physiology, is this year's Teacher of the Year for Duval County Public Schools.

Magdaluyo, in accepting the award, said he understands what it is like to be a struggling student because he was one. Now, he wants to be the teacher who helps those students.

"I want to be part of every child's success story, where I was with them in their challenging times," he said.

“These great moments don’t just inspire me — they drive me to be a better version of myself, to be of greater service to these young minds," he said. "I know how it feels to be someone who struggles a lot and almost gives up. I want to be felt as an educator who focuses more on students' hard work to succeed even when difficulties arise. I want to be a teacher I wish I could have.”

Magdaluyo and four additional finalists were recognized for their accomplishments Saturday evening at The EDDY Awards — a private gala hosted by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund.

“The EDDYs give us an opportunity to recognize excellence in education and the professionals who do so much for our students every single day,” said Jacksonville Public Education Fund President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. “We know the key to closing the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color lies in supporting our teachers and empowering them in their work.”

The EDDY Awards — now in its 31st year — returned to its gala format after pivoting to a live-streamed luncheon at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. The event was broadcast again this year on WJXT-TV/Channel 4 and hosted by local anchor Melanie Lawson.

Who is Charles Darwin Magdaluyo?

Known by his students as Mr. M, Magdaluyo has been teaching for seven years. He teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology to high school freshmen and seniors.

Originally from the Phillippines, Magdaluyo launched professional learning communities within Duval Schools to help other international teachers become familiarized with teaching in Jacksonville. He also serves as a training facilitator and mentor for science teachers throughout the district.

In his application, Magdaluyo said he understands what it feels like to be a struggling student because he also struggled in the classroom.

“What inspires me as an educator is my students' success stories," he said. "Every ‘ah-ha!’ moment, every smiling face whenever they understand something they thought was difficult, every time they take a risk to do something in front of the class to show they can also do what other students can do — these are things that don't just inspire me but drive me to do better day by day.”

But Magdaluyo almost didn't become a teacher.

His parents wanted him to become a doctor and he went as far as taking medical board exams. He passed, but told his parents he couldn't shake his desire to teach. So they compromised: he could teach human anatomy.

How is the Duval Schools Teacher of the Year selected?

Selecting finalists and winners for the EDDY Awards is no small feat.

Of the school district's 180 Teachers of the Year, 15 semi-finalists are selected. From there, five are named finalists.

This year's finalists were Amanda Hildenbrand, Shakeya Lee, Candice Lilly, Nick Nelson and Magdaluyo.

Semi-finalists, finalists and the ultimate winner are selected by community committees, which are composed of a group of teachers, Duval Teachers United representatives, PTA members and more.

According to the education fund, the committee members review initial applications and eventually observe a group of teachers in the classroom as part of the decision-making process.

“Mr. Magdaluyo represents all the outstanding qualities our teachers bring to our classrooms every day,” Superintendent Diana Greene said in a news release. “The first thing you notice is his energy and his enthusiasm for student success. Then you see the outstanding quality of his teaching craft, particularly the way he individualizes instruction to reach every student."

Greene added, "he inspires and motivates students in a very special and effective way. His drive and impact extend well beyond his classroom."

Magdaluyo's current students seem to agree.

“In this class, we are never afraid to ask questions and make mistakes in concepts he teaches. We feel valued. We belong," said Jasmyn, who was featured in the education fund's finalist roundup. "Mr. Magdaluyo creates a safe environment for us in his classroom that allows us to ask for help if we do not understand something ... He tries to connect with all of us students and builds bonds. I truly believe that he’s the best teacher in Duval County, and I wouldn’t believe you if you said he was anything less than the best in all of Florida.”

What happens now that Mr. Magdaluyo has won Duval Teacher of the Year?

As the 2022 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year, Magdaluyo will go on to compete for the statewide title.

Last year, Duval Schools Teacher of the Year winner Jim Schmitt — a Mandarin High history teacher — went on to be named a state finalist for the top honor.

Magdaluyo also received a cash prize, a classroom grant and a board seat on the Jacksonville Public Education Fund Board of Directors.

All Teachers of the Year received access to a yearlong professional development program.

State Teacher of the Year finalists will be named in the spring.

Emily Bloch is an education reporter for The Florida Times-Union. Follow her on Twitter or email her. Sign up for her newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ribault High's Charles Darwin Magdaluyo is Duval Teacher of the Year