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UNF Silverfield Champions Future Teachers at Regional FEA Conference and Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium

November 17, 2025

FEA high school students holding their awards at UNFThe University of North Florida’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services proudly hosted the second annual Future Educators of America (FEA) Northeast Regional Conference and first annual Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium, welcoming more than 150 high school students, faculty and leaders in education from across the region for a day of inspiration, collaboration and professional growth.

High school students from Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties gathered on the UNF campus to explore their passion for teaching, participate in interactive sessions and compete alongside peers from nine regional schools: Clay High School, Creekside High School, Fleming Island High School, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, Ponte Vedra High School, Ridgeview High School, Saint Augustine High School and Tocoi Creek High School.

“Events like the FEA Conference allow future educators to see the impact and importance of this profession and to feel the strength of the community that’s here to support them,” said Dr. Christian Winterbottom, chair of the Teaching, Learning and Curriculum department.

At midday, the conference transitioned into the Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium, a signature event honoring Dr. Andrew A. Robinson, a pioneering Jacksonville educator, associate professor of education and former UNF interim president.

The 2025 symposium focused on “The Evolving Role of a K–12 Teacher” and featured an engaging panel discussion with senior district leaders:

  • Dr. Brennan Asplen, Superintendent, St. Johns County Schools
  • Dr. Kathy Burns, Superintendent, Nassau County School District
  • Dr. Jennifer Shepard, Director of School Improvement and Professional Development, Clay County District Schools
  • Dr. Michael Ramirez, Chief of Staff, Duval County Public Schools

Local education professionals engaged in panel discussion at FEA conferenceThe panel explored the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s teaching landscape and underscored the importance of preparing adaptable, resilient educators.

The symposium continues to honor Dr. Robinson’s enduring legacy of educational leadership and equity. Beginning his career in Duval County Public Schools in 1955 and later serving as the first principal of Raines High School, Dr. Robinson’s influence extended throughout the region as a champion for teacher development and student success.

“As the leading provider of education graduates in Northeast Florida, the Silverfield College was thrilled to showcase the education profession to high school students while honoring the impactful legacy of Dr. Robinson. We are grateful to the Robinson family’s continuing support of improving educational outcomes in the region,” said Dr. Steve Dittmore, dean of the Silverfield College.

Through events like the FEA Conference and the Robinson Education Symposium, UNF’s Silverfield College continues to strengthen partnerships with local school districts, expand pathways into the teaching profession and reaffirm its dedication to building a strong, sustainable educator workforce for Northeast Florida.