Issuu

AUG | 2026

The Division OF CAREER AND ADULT EDUCATION

NEWSLETTER

Osceola County CTE Teacher Kyndall Brown Named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year | p8

America 250

Meet the Staff

Student Highlight

America 250 Welding Competition

Tara Goodman, Vice Chancellor,

PC graduate turns experience into

Winners

Division of Career and Adult

purpose through mental health

Education

training

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

CONTENTS

WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome back! A new school year always brings a renewed sense of possibility. For our students, it may be the year they discover a skill they did not know they had, find confidence in a classroom where learning finally feels real or begin to see a future they can believe in. That is the power of career and technical education, and it begins with you. Your classrooms are places where students learn by doing, grow through challenge and begin connecting their interests to a life of purpose. You do far more than teach technical skills. You help students recognize their own potential and understand that there are many meaningful paths to success. I am deeply grateful for the care, expertise and belief you bring to this work. I am proud to stand alongside you as we begin another year of opening doors, changing lives and building Florida’s future, one student at a time. Sincerely,

ASHLEY MEROS, PH.D.

Chancellor Division of Career and Adult Education Florida Department of Education

WELCOME MESSAGE

America 250

Teacher Highlight

Workforce Education Resources

MEET THE STAFF

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

Student Highlight

Program Highlight

RECENT NEWS

Newsletter submission guidelines

Chancellor Ashley Meros Shares a Back to School Message

America 250 Welding Competition Winners

Florida Department Of Education Names Osceola County CTE Teacher Kyndall Brown as Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year

Tara Goodman, Vice Chancellor, Division of Career and Adult Education

Dr. Henry Mack Unanimously Appointed as Florida’s Commissioner of Education by State Board of Education

From Service to Support: SPC Graduate Turns Experience Into Purpose Through Mental Health Training

Big Bend Technical College Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Facility with RibbonCutting Ceremony

Read More About the Recent Investments in Workforce Education

AMERICA 250 WELDING COMPETITION WINNERS

The Florida Department of Education is proud to announce the winners of the Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge, recognizing outstanding student craftsmanship and creativity in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge invited students from Florida’s public secondary and postsecondary institutions to design and create original metalwork inspired by the 250th anniversary of the United States. Submissions were designed to be durable, long-term installations intended to remain on campuses or within communities as lasting commemorations of this historic milestone.

READ PRESS RELEASE

COMMISSIONER’S CHOICE AWARDS

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NAMES OSCEOLA COUNTY CTE TEACHER KYNDALL BROWN AS FLORIDA’S 2027 TEACHER OF THE YEAR The Florida Department of Education named Kyndall Brown from Osceola County as the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year. Kyndall was selected from among five Teacher of the Year finalists through a rigorous selection process. As Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, she will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, representing Florida’s educators and advocating for students across the state. “Tonight we celebrated the extraordinary educators who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Paul O. Burns. “Kyndall Brown, our 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year, exemplifies the excellence, dedication and leadership that define Florida’s teaching profession.

Congratulations to Kyndall and each of this year’s award recipients for their unwavering commitment to students and the lasting impact they make in classrooms and communities across our state every day.” “Congratulations to Kyndall Brown on being named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Kyndall’s passion for agriculture education, commitment to hands-on learning, and dedication to preparing students for success embody the very best of Florida’s teachers,” said Commissioner-Designate Henry Mack. “Congratulations as well to the outstanding finalists and special award recipients whose excellence and service reflect the strength of Florida’s education system. We are grateful for their dedication to helping every student reach their full potential.”

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

About Kyndall Brown Kyndall Brown is an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County who brings innovation, leadership, and real-world relevance to her classroom. She designed and implemented a rigorous, standards-based agriscience curriculum for grades 6-8, impacting more than 200 students each year. Beyond her classroom instruction, Ms. Brown founded the Fishing Club, a school-wide community that connects students across grade levels through shared interests and hands-on learning. She has also cultivated meaningful partnerships with local farms, providing students with authentic, real-world agricultural experiences that deepen their understanding and prepare them for future opportunities. She holds an associate’s degree from Valencia College, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Teacher of the Year Kyndall Brown with CommissionerDesignate Henry Mack, Chancellor of Career and Adult Education Ashley Yopp Meros, Interim Commissioner Paul O. Burns and former Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

Workforce Education Outreach Resources

WORKFORCE EDUCATION PARTNER RESOURCES

This website provides social media assets, email content, flyers and more to educate your audiences about the opportunities that exist here in our great state to not only work, but thrive.

VISIT WORKFORCEFL.COM

DCAE PHOTO BANK

We have received photos from institutions throughout the state to build a shared visual library that are available to Florida institutions and partners promoting CTE and may be featured through FLDOE social, advertising and more.

VISIT PHOTO BANK

MEET THE STAFF

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

MEET THE

STAFF What drives you in your role with the Office of Career and Technical Education? What drives me is the challenge of designing and implementing programs—and the financial incentives behind them—that provide real opportunities for every student and create measurable, meaningful outcomes.

Tara Goodman

Vice Chancellor, Division of Career and Adult Education

What excites you most about CTE right now? For much of my career, CTE was seen as a fallback for students who supposedly couldn’t succeed in traditional higher education. I’ve watched that perception shift dramatically among students, parents and policy leaders. I love the CTE is being recognized on its own merits as a rigorous, high-value opportunity for all students.

What’s something you love to do outside of work? Outside of work, you may find me hiking, traveling or quilting.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give educators in CTE? I often remind people that institutions and individuals respond to the incentives they’re given. The lesson I want every CTE educator to take to heart is this: build quality programs first. Get the design right, focus on real outcomes for students and the incentives will follow—not the other way around.

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Henry Mack Unanimously Appointed as Florida’s Commissioner of Education by State Board of Education he State Board of Education (SBOE) unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Henry Mack to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Education. The appointment follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommendation to the SBOE and continues Florida’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.

As Commissioner, Dr. Mack will lead the Florida Department of Education in advancing the state’s nationally recognized education initiatives, supporting students, families, and educators, and continuing Florida’s commitment to academic excellence, parental rights, workforce education, and expanding opportunities for student success.

Dr. Mack currently serves as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor. In this role, he oversees the Department’s Employment and Training Administration. He previously served as Senior Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, leading the Divisions of Florida Colleges, Career and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Workforce Education and Economic Alignment, and the Commission for Independent Education. Dr. Mack has also served as a Provost, a Vice President and as a Chief Innovation Officer.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Education,” said Dr. Henry Mack. “I am grateful to Governor DeSantis and the State Board of Education for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working alongside educators, parents, school leaders, and communities across Florida to build on our state’s success. Together, we will continue maintaining high academic standards, supporting teachers, and putting students first in every decision we make.” “It has been a privilege to serve Florida’s

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

students, families, and educators during this transition,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Paul O. Burns. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Mack back to the Florida Department of Education as our next Commissioner, and I am thrilled to work alongside him as we continue advancing Florida’s nation-leading education agenda.” “Today’s appointment reflects Florida’s continued commitment to educational excellence,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “Dr. Mack is a thoughtful, experienced leader who

understands the importance of supporting teachers, empowering parents, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.” “Florida’s students deserve leaders who are committed to excellence and innovation,” said MaryLynn Magar, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education. “Henry Mack has consistently demonstrated that commitment, and I look forward to partnering with him to build on the incredible progress our state has made.”

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

From Service to Support: SPC graduate turns experience into purpose through mental health training Submitted by St Petersburg State College Carlos Brito has spent more than a decade serving his community as a law enforcement officer. Now, as he graduates from St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate program in May, he is using his experience to support the mental wellbeing of fellow first responders. Born in Brazil and now a husband and father of four, Brito immigrated to the United States over 20 years ago. As the first in his family to attend college, he earned his bachelor’s degree from SPC and built a 13-year career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, serving in roles ranging from patrol and community resource deputy to undercover narcotics and corporal. While responding to a call involving a mentally unstable individual, Brito was intentionally struck by a vehicle driven by a suspect, leaving him with severe

leg injuries and requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The incident, described by officials as an ambush, became a life-altering moment. His recovery included 17 surgeries and three infections, along with a long and difficult rehabilitation process. Beyond the physical toll, the experience brought lasting mental and emotional challenges. After the injury, he transitioned into digital forensics, but the impact of that moment, and the cumulative stress of years in law enforcement, remained. “My own struggles, along with a desire to help fellow first responders and their families, motivated me to enroll,” said Brito. The program, which focuses on mental health awareness and support for first responders, gave Brito new tools to better understand trauma and its effects, not only on himself, but on those closest to him.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

“It helped me recognize how what I was going through was affecting my family,” he said. “That awareness allowed me to make meaningful changes at home.” Through coursework and mentorship, including instruction from Kim Molinaro, Brito gained a deeper understanding of the realities facing first responders, particularly the often-overlooked issue of suicide. “It opened my eyes to the seriousness of issues I once thought were just part of the job,” he said. “It’s changed how I look out for and support others.” Balancing work, school and family life was a challenge, but one Brito embraced with determination. For him, graduation represents more than completing a program; it’s a step toward making a difference. “I now have tools and knowledge that I hope can help another first responder or their family during difficult times,” said Brito. Brito plans to use what he’s learned to raise awareness about mental health challenges in public safety professions and advocate for stronger support systems, particularly for families affected by suicide. His message to others in the field is simple but powerful: “You are not alone. Reach out to a friend, a peer or a professional. Some people care, and we can get through it together.”

Carlos Brito

Reflecting on his time at SPC, Brito described the experience as transformational. “It was an incredible experience,” he said. “Everyone was supportive and truly understood the needs of first responders.” As SPC approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, stories like Brito’s highlight the College’s continued commitment to supporting those who serve and preparing them to lead with resilience, awareness and purpose.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Big Bend Technical College OPENS new advanced manufacturing facility with ribbon-cutting ceremony Submitted by Big Bend Technical College Big Bend Technical College (BBTC) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 30, 2026. The event drew an impressive crowd of students, educators, industry leaders, elected officials and community partners, all gathered to recognize this significant investment in workforce education and economic development. The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from BBTC Director Shelbi McCall, followed by an introduction of guests, an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by BBTC SkillsUSA student leaders. Attendees then heard from a distinguished lineup of speakers. The new Advanced Manufacturing Facility represents a major step forward in expanding training opportunities for students pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing and related industries.

Equipped to provide hands-on, industryrelevant instruction, the facility will help prepare a skilled workforce to meet the growing needs of employers throughout the region and across Florida. The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the strong partnerships among education, industry and community stakeholders that made the project possible. Their collective support reflects a shared commitment to creating pathways to high-wage, highskill careers while strengthening the local economy. The college looks forward to the lasting impact the Advanced Manufacturing Facility will have on students, employers and the future of workforce development in North Florida.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

Big Bend Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility

Seth Addington

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER