DCAE Newsletter February 2023

NEWSLETTER

Student Goes from Paralyzed to Polk State Occupational Therapy Assistant | p4

Teacher Highlight

Teacher of the Year: Culinary, International Collaboration, and Drones? p10

Program Highlight

Nova Southeastern University and Nova High School’s Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment Initiative.

p8

Partnership Highlight

Florida Ready to Work: Answering

Florida’s Employers’ Demands

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WELCOME MESSAGE

Happy Career and Technical Education Month. We have seen remarkable success because of each and every one of you. Your hard work, time and effort has not went unnoticed and we, at the Department are thankful for your continued support in workforce education.

This year, we announced statewide record enrollment numbers—nearly 800,000 K-12 and 380,000 postsecondary students enrolled in this type of education, invested a record $579 million to support workforce education, and released new statewide outreach initiatives, Future of Work Florida and Your Way, proponents of Get There.

As we look to 2023, my hope is that we continue boosting our enrollment numbers, finding new unique ways to invest in these in-demand, highwage potential programs and that we all have a steadfast focus on the students. They are the reason we wake up everyday and do what we do.

When There’s a Will, There’s a Way, Let’s Get There!

DR. KEVIN O’FARRELL Chancellor, Department of Education Division of Career and Adult Education

Student goes from paralyzed to Polk State Occupational Therapy Assistant at Orlando Health

Submitted by Polk State College

Chase Roberts was told he would never walk again. Now, he’s not only on his own two feet — he is also helping others recover from traumatic injuries.

A December graduate of Polk State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Roberts is completing his final clinical rotation at Orlando Health (Orlando) Regional Medical Center Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation, the place where he recovered from his paralysis.

A car wreck in January 2016 left him wheelchair-bound as a quadriplegic. He suffered a C-2 level spinal cord injury, which is often fatal due to its impact on the ability to breathe independently.

“I was paralyzed from the neck down. I had doctors tell me, ‘Go home and widen your hallways, you’re never going to move anything below your chin again.’ I was distraught.”

A wiggle of his big toe provided hope. It brought him to Orlando Health ORMC Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation, where he underwent intense occupational and physical therapies for seven weeks before entering outpatient treatment.

“My biggest sources of hope were my therapists,” Roberts said. “My therapists knew the signs to look for and what we could expand on to improve my recovery. When they got me up and walking for the first time, I bawled my eyes out. They never gave up on me,” which inspired his career path.

Being back here as a practitioner has been a surreal experience. Working with the same practitioners on the same team I had almost seven years ago has been enlightening.

he recovered from his paralysis.

“I had a patient in the same room that I was in, and it was a little scary walking into that room again,” Roberts added. “But it was the best feeling to go in there as a teacher of somebody going through a similar issue that I had because I can identify with them and coach them through things that were best for me. I preface it with every spinal cord injury is different. I tell them don’t look at what I had as a metric for what you have, but I do understand the symptoms you’re going through, and I will help you with everything I have been taught.”

In addition to achieving his degree and becoming a licensed occupational therapy assistant, Roberts aspires to raise

awareness about spinal cord injuries. An avid Superman enthusiast, he cites Christopher Reeve (Superman) as the man and hero as inspiration:

“Christopher Reeve changed the game. Now that he’s gone, somebody needs to pick up that torch and take it a few more steps,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can in order to be that person.”

Chase Roberts, a graduate of Polk State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, is finishing his final clinical rotation at Orlando Health at the facility where

Nova Southeastern University and Nova High School’s Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment Initiative

Submitted by Broward County Schools

Broward County Public Schools is pleased to announce the launch of its Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment initiative, which was developed in collaboration with Nova Southeastern University. This program offers students enrolled in Cybersecurity Essentials courses at Nova High School the opportunity to build and strengthen their skills in Computer Science and Cybersecurity while simultaneously earning college credit.

This is all thanks to the newly launched Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment program.

Upon completion of the program, which began in October 2022 and continued through December 2022, students were given the chance to test for certifications that are recognized by relevant industry. In addition to gaining professional industry certifications, students will walk away with tangible skills and gain insight into cybersecurity from renowned Professor of Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Dr. Yair Levy.

Dr. Levy is an expert in the field of information systems and cybersecurity.

During his time at NSU, Dr. Levy has overseen the graduation of more than 50 students with doctoral degrees in Information Systems, Information Assurance, and Cybersecurity Management. This is just one of his many achievements. His research, which has been published in a variety of journals assessed by experts in the field, has been cited more than 7,400 times.

As part of this initiative, students from BCPS were given the opportunity to speak with a few of Dr. Levy’s graduate assistant students during the month of October, which is observed all across the country as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The event was organized so that the students could learn more about the field of cybersecurity.

Dr. Levy’s graduate students make up what is known as NSU’s eHackers (Ethical Hackers), which is a Cybersecurity Student Club. These students have kindly offered to visit many of BCPS’s Information Technology and Computer Science classes in order to assist in better preparing students for the potential digital issues they may encounter. EHackers were able to discuss a wide range of issues, including IT and cybersecurity career pathways, provide insight into in-demand skill sets, and respond to questions posed by students throughout their visits.

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT

Teacher of the Year: Culinary, International Collaboration, and Drones?

Submitted by the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

Sherry, as her students call her, using her sign name in the hand shape of an “s” brushing against the jaw line, is our Culinary II, III, & IV teacher in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program on the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) campus. Sherry was unanimously voted Teacher of the Year by her colleagues and staff.

Sherry has gone above and beyond in only her 2nd year here at FSDB in her current teaching position. Previously, she worked in conjunction with Florida Community Technical College (FCTC) and FSDB’s culinary program as well as many hours of volunteering before finally becoming our Culinary Program teacher. Since joining us last year, Sherry has won over the hearts of her students and colleagues with her passion and devotion to teaching Deaf students both the theoretical and hands-on parts of the culinary industry. She teaches students using American Sign Language and prepares students to successfully pass industry certifications.

Sherry and her students not only practice in the lab what they learn in the classroom, but they openly share their masterpieces of deliciousness with classmates and staff across campus.

With Sherry’s support and direction, the culinary program has and continues to support the Athletics Department with various events, Teachers of the Year Lunches, Thanksgiving Pie sales,

Christmas meal specials, Prom, and countless other initiatives around campus.

Sherry has gone as far as setting up an international relationship with L’Institute National de Jeunes Sourds (INJS) de Paris (National Institute for Young Deaf in Paris). The INJS was the world’s first school for the Deaf located in Paris, France. Students share regional culinary cuisines, language, and cultures.

Of course, like many people, and even teachers, we all have hidden talents and passions not everyone knows about. Shery, however, just so happens to be a Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certified remote Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) “aka: Drone” pilot. So, if Sherry is not cooking with her culinary students by day or in the kitchen lab after school with the culinary club, just look up to see the drones flying around campus because that would be a good sign that Sherry is somewhere nearby leading the drone club.

That’s right! Sherry is also teaching and preparing Drone Club students for certification and the SkillsUSA State of Florida drone competition in Spring 2023. Sherry is constantly the first person to say ‘Yes!’ to anything anyone asks. Sherry is appreciated more than words can say or signs can express and continues to be a team player and leader for everyone at FSDB!

Miami Dade College Hosts Events to Promote CTE & Apprenticeship

Submitted by South Dade Technical College

Miami Dade College (MDC) hosted our annual Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and MDC CTE Day Faculty Exchange on November 8, 2022, at our beautiful Kendall Campus in Miami, Florida.

With over two hundred attendees, this full day agenda included discussions on CTE Career Pathways, Articulation Agreements and Teacher Professional Development. The goal for this event was to network with CTE faculty and administrators, and exchange ideas on how to better serve the students by strengthening MDC and M-DCPS’s CTE programs.

In February 2023, we will continue working towards these aspirations with our CTE Student Day – a day we welcome the M-DCPS high school students to experience college life at MDC and learn of the various workforce programs offerings.

Celebrations continued with events held during National Apprenticeship Week. November 14-20, 2022 was dedicated to joining our national partners in the effort to promote the value and successes of Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

MDC’s CTE Department organized and hosted various events and created digital marketing/social media content highlighting our active apprentices, employer partners, and our 15 registered programs: Aircraft Structural Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Automotive Technician Specialist, Building Automation Technician, Construction, Customs Broker, Dental Assistant, Financial Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Hotel Associate, Nurse Assistant Certified, Operations Management / General Manager, Teacher Assistant (2), Transportation and Logistics Specialist.

Additionally, the CTE Department cohosted a Workforce Advisory Committee Meet-and-Greet event. The evening’s social was a success, and MDC administrators and local industry and community partners were provided an overview of Work-Based Learning (WBL) strategies, CTE programs, and were provided a call to action.

April 2023 is the 5th Anniversary of our Sponsorship and first apprenticeship approval. The CTE Department is planning a celebratory event to continue our

aspiration to build our workforce talent pipeline.

In all, every CTE signature event is an exciting time to celebrate with our MiamiDade community and to contribute toward the College’s strategic goal to advance student success and fuel our local economy.

MDC

Miami Dade College (MDC) hosts its annual M-DCPS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) & MDC CTE Day Faculty Exchange and National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) Workforce Advisory Committee Meet-andGreet.

The CTE Department is constantly eager to connect with education institutions and industry partners to address talent needs.

prides itself as a pathway of consultation and collaboration for all topics related to workforce education.

Career & technical Education month

Career & technical Education month AWARENESS TOOLKIT

Career and Technical Education Month, or CTE Month, is a public awareness campaign that takes place the month of February to celebrate and highlight the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across Florida.

SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA

Hashtags: #GetThereFL #CTEMonth

Download graphics +covers here

sample email + press release sample email + press release

Announce that you are celebrating by sending out an email or press release to encourage participation and awareness around CTE Month.

Download email + press release here

Florida Ready to Work: Answering Florida’s Employers’ Demands

Submitted by Florida Ready to Work

More than 80 percent of Florida business leaders across industry sectors, surveyed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce “emphasized the importance of employability skills. These skills which include communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are universally valuable work competencies that are essential to adapt to shifting demands within and between careers.”

The State of Florida listened to those employer concerns and invested in a free career readiness solution called Florida Ready to Work. Florida Ready to Work is a research-based career readiness program created by Florida law. The program focuses on developing a work-ready talent pipeline with the essential employability skills required for individual, business, and whole community economic well-being and growth. And it is FREE for students in Florida schools, state colleges, technical centers, adult education programs, and community-based organizations.

When asked why schools should utilize

Florida Ready to Work, Kevin O’Farrell, Ph.D., Chancellor, Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education said, Your students will have such confidence, and the employers who will be hiring them will be receiving an individual who is proficient and ready in some of the most important skills we need in life like problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Those are what our students need for tomorrow. So do it!

Click here to see what others are saying. Florida Ready to Work is funded by the State of Florida and administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in partnership with WIN Learning, a national career readiness solutions company. For more information, visit FloridaReadytoWork.com.

FLORIDA CELEBRATES COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK

~ Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. encourages schools to dedicate one hour during the week to engage in coding activities aligned with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics ~

Tallahassee, Fla., December 5, 2022 – Today, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) recognized Computer Science Education Week, highlighting Florida’s commitment to providing opportunities for K-12 students to pursue computer science.

READ MORE >>

Students Praise Florida CTE Programs: ‘It’s a Blessing’

Tallahassee, Fla., December 26, 2023 — The Florida Department of Education highlighted students who are taking advantage of Florida’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs in the “Get There” December newsletter.

READ MORE>>

ICYMI: GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS

EDUCATION

ANNOUNCES

$79 MILLION FOR NURSING

AND HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIPS

The funding rewards excellence among nursing education programs and provides workforce support throughout the state Tallahassee, Fla., January 5, 2023 — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $79 million for high-performing nursing education programs in Florida. The funding rewards public postsecondary nursing programs that have gone above and beyond to train Floridians and provides matching funds for scholarship awards, faculty recruitment, equipment and additional educational supports.

READ MORE>>

Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Administration’s Major Accomplishments of 2022

Tallahassee, Fla., January 9, 2023 — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the efforts his administration has taken on behalf of Floridians over the past year.

READ MORE >>

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2023 IS

MONTH

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

CTE Month is recognized to celebrate and highlight the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across Florida.

MARCH 2023 IS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MONTH

During National Agriculture Month in March, we salute our local agriculture industry. From the dedicated farmers out in the field to their hardworking suppliers of seed, feed, equipment and more, we all benefit from the fruits of their labor.

MARCH

21-27, 2023 IS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

he holiday gives thanks to the industry as a whole for being a source of abundant food, fiber, and renewable products. It also provides millions with stable jobs and careers.

MARCH

22, 2022 IS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

MARCH 5-11, 2023 IS WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK

Women in Construction Week is a time to highlight all the great initiatives and work of women within the industry.