Candidate: Nadine Ebri

Dr. Nadine Ebri, an innovative educator with several years of teaching experience in Jacksonville, Florida, has profoundly impacted students around the world. Her journey began in Title I schools, where she dedicated herself to teaching in settings that primarily served students from low-income, historically marginalized communities. 

Nadine's passion for education extended beyond traditional methods, leading her to author two books and develop unique teaching approaches that gained national recognition. She firmly believed in embracing students' life experiences and advocated for using responsive teaching methods to engage students. This approach not only earned her a spot on the front cover of USA Today but also made her a viral sensation, with her instructional videos amassing over 20 million views and inspiring educators globally.

Her exemplary teaching skills made her a finalist for the Teacher of the Year in Duval County during the 2020-2021 school year. Despite the effects of the pandemic, Nadine continued to produce high scores while ensuring her students stayed engaged in learning. Transitioning from a classroom teacher to a technology specialist, Nadine was instrumental in launching the Minecraft Lab in Jacksonville. Here, she fused education and technology, training educators in game-based learning using digital games.

Currently serving as an Education Community Manager for a large educational technology company, Nadine continues to inspire through her leadership. She guides educational technology ambassadors in their outreach efforts, fostering a nurturing community environment. Her contributions to educational technology have been recognized with the "20 to Watch" award from ISTE in 2023 and a feature in EdTech Magazine's "30 K-12 IT Influencers to Follow." Nadine's journey exemplifies her commitment to enhancing educational experiences through innovation and inclusivity.