DCAE June Newsletter 2023

Teacher Highlight

Broward County Public Schools

Inaugural CTE Teacher of the Year Awards

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Student Highlight

Student Takes a New Route to Success by Way of TCC Workforce Development

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Grant Highlight

Adult Education and Family Literacy, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education

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WELCOME MESSAGE

As we approach the summer break, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our students throughout the academic year. Your tireless efforts have not only shaped their minds but also inspired them to explore new frontiers of knowledge. Your commitment to providing hands-on experiences, fostering innovation and preparing our students for the ever-evolving workforce has been truly remarkable. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, you have empowered our students to become confident, capable individuals ready to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

As you embark on a well-deserved summer vacation, I hope you find time for rest, rejuvenation and personal pursuits. Take this opportunity to unwind, explore your own interests and enjoy the company of loved ones.

Thank you for an exceptional school year filled with inspiring lessons, innovative projects and transformative experiences. Your dedication to Career, Technical and Adult Education has laid the foundation for our students’ success and will continue to shape the workforce of tomorrow.

To those teaching Summer Classes, press on!

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

Broward County Public Schools

Inaugural Career Technical Education Teacher of the Year Awards

Submitted by Broward County Public Schools

The inaugural Broward County CTE Teacher of the Year awards dinner was held Tuesday, February 28th, at the Carl DeSantis Atrium at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. This momentous event highlighted and showcased outstanding middle, high and technical high school CTE teachers.

These recipients were selected by their schools, and then applicants were given an opportunity to become finalists for the district CTE Teacher of the Year. After a rigid scoring process, five finalists were selected and received cash prizes and a designer watch.

The evening’s dignitaries included Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Marilyn Doyle, School Board member and Vice Chair Mrs. Debra Hixon, Board member Sarah Leonardi, Keynote speaker

Dr. Shanequa Fleming and Regional Superintendent Dr. Jermaine Fleming.

Check out the 2023 CTE Teacher of the Year Awards BECON-TV video!

https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eOmDmLt

CTACE Event Organizers and Director

Broward County CTE Teacher of the Year Michelle Freeman, Falcon Cove Middle School, and Dignitaries

Broward County CTE Runner-Up Teacher of the Year Joseph Vallone, Plantation High School, and Dignitaries

Early Childhood Education Program has Proven Track Record of Creating Great Teachers

Submitted by the School District of Osceola County

The School District of Osceola County has excellent proof that CTE works! Meet Kayra Burdette, a graduate of Saint Cloud High School class of 2012 and a completer of the Early Child Education Program there.

Kayra is an educator in Osceola County and works as a Restorative Practice Coach, the PBIS Coordinator and is the School Advisory Council Co-Chair at Mill Creek Elementary School in Kissimmee. She also happens to be a finalist for the School District of Osceola County’s Teacher of the Year this year.

When asked how her CTE program in high school helped get her where she is today, Kayra had this to say, “The Early Childhood program at Saint Cloud High School laid down the groundwork in my journey to becoming an educator. What makes this program so unique is the opportunity to not only learn best practices within the realm

of Early Childhood Education, but to apply them with actual students in the on-site Voluntary prekindergarten class that was just a few doors down from the classroom. This really helped with making concrete connections to content and reality. Within this multi-year program, I gained so many skills that were crucial to my success as a teacher. This included making learning meaningful, having consistent classroom routines and working with students on social skills. When I graduated from SCHS, I was able to obtain my Early Childhood Professional Certificate, which added to my marketability as a prospective teaching candidate. Not only this, but this program also wouldn’t be successful if it weren’t for the dedicated educators that ran it.

In the same fashion that I strive to be a positive influence on my students, the teachers I had in the program were model educators that have made an impact on my professional and personal life.

Denise Peller and Tomie Troxell, with their knowledge and guidance, made my time in the program exceptional. I often think back to my times in the program and appreciate how they challenged and truly cared for me. I carry these experiences with me and utilize them as I work with both students and teachers in my day-to-day work. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to

be in the Early Childhood program and the opportunities that have shaped me into the educator that I am today.”

The School District of Osceola County currently has 49 teachers within the district that graduated from the Early Childhood program at St. Cloud.

Kayra Budette, graduate of Osceola County’s Early Childhood Education Program

Student Takes a New Route to Success by Way of TCC Workforce Development

Submitted by Tallahassee Community College

Each year, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs like the Commercial Vehicle Driving program at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) significantly impact individuals’ lives like Dennis Smith.

While incarcerated, Smith decided that he wanted to alter his life by continuing his education through a CTE program. He learned about truck driving and obtained a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Handbook from his classification officer, studying it front to back. A few months before his release, he met Alicia Warren with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) at Century Correctional Institution. He knew that this was his chance to turn things around for the better.

Smith said,

Warren provided just what Smith needed, guidance and opportunity. She arranged for him to interview at the Transportation and Logistics Center at Tallahassee Community College. Smith worked hard to show Warren and others that their efforts would not be disregarded upon his release. He attended class Monday through Friday on top of working two jobs to support himself. Not long after completing his training and obtaining his CDL, he was offered a position with Western Express, a national trucking company.

Facing obstacles such as being on parole and tackling out-of-state training, Smith began to worry his dreams would soon crumble. However, with the help of his parole officer who petitioned the Florida Commission on Offender Review (FCOR)

During my last bid, I had reached my bottom. I just knew deep down I couldn’t do this anymore. So, I decided to make the necessary changes from within. She took my info and instructed me to contact her after I got out and I knew this was the break I was looking for.

board to allow Smith the chance to pursue this opportunity, these obstacles soon became obsolete.

Since December 2022, Smith has worked for Western Express, seeing places he had only imagined. He plans to continue pursuing trucking as a career and purchase his own truck.

While the road to turning his life around may have not been easy, the help of individuals like Warren and sponsorships of these CTE programs by the FDC makes it all worthwhile.

Warren said,

I am happy to say he is well on his way to living his dream and reaching his goals that we discussed before his release. I really thank FCOR, Probation & Parole and TCC for working with us to make this happen. This is what we strive for on a daily basis

Development Commercial Vehicle Driving program continues to provide individuals like Smith a second chance at life and reentering the workforce. TCC’s Commercial Vehicle Driving classes encompass hands-on experience in a truck and a virtual simulator combined with lectures and presentations to prepare students to receive their class ’A’ Commercial Driver’s License.

Check out TCC’s Transportation and Logistics Center by visiting https://www. tcc.fl.edu/workforce-development/ individuals/learn-new-job-skills/ transportation/ or by calling 850-558-3550.

Learn more about TCC’s Workforce Development at https://www.tcc.fl.edu/ tcc2work.

Smith continues to remain grateful for the opportunities he has been given and gives praise to those who put him in a position to receive them.

Through sponsorship of the FDC and other organizations, TCC’s Workforce

Seminole State College ESOL Student Honored for New Snack Idea

Submitted by Seminole State College

A language barrier didn’t stop Carolina Alvarez of Oviedo from showing off her business acumen to a panel of CEOs, entrepreneurs and investors. The Seminole State College ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) student jumped at the chance to submit her proposal for the college’s inaugural Seminole Startup business plan competition.

Working extra hard to speak in English, the Venezuelan native successfully convinced the judges that her company offering a healthy snack alternative was indeed a winner. Carolina took home a $500 cash prize. She said,

Carolina’s winning business plan depicted a startup called Avila Snacks, which she recently launched from her home. The company creates tequños, also known as Venezuelan cheese sticks. She says the snacks have 20 percent less sodium and half the calories of a typical snack.

“They are very good for kids, which was one of the major points in my plan,” she said. Carolina, 44, and her husband Jose have two young boys.

Her goal moving forward is to sell the product locally for distribution. At that time, she will ramp up production.

The competition, which invited current Seminole State students to create and develop comprehensive business plans for potential startup companies, drew about 30 submissions.

“Considering this was our first time running this contest, I was overwhelmed with the number and quality of submissions we received,” says David Moradian, a professor

I was so surprised. When I submitted the proposal, I was not sure it would be awarded. I was just happy to make it to the final stage. My English made it somewhat difficult, but the experience was amazing.

and program manager for the Center for Business, Legal and Entrepreneurship at Seminole State, sponsors of the event.

The startup competition was part of the Entrepreneurship Fair on Seminole State’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. Based on the collective success of both events, the Seminole Startup competition and the Entrepreneurship Fair will become annual spring events at SSC.

A purse of $5,000 was awarded among the winning entries. Ashley Capp, a sophomore from Orlando, won first place and $2,500 for her proposal of a mobile application that aids in cancer prevention. Sophomore Ryan Griffiths from Lake Mary was runnerup for his fitness app ($1,500) and third place ($500) went to Logan Clemente and Carlos Conejo, dual-enrollment students from Lyman High School. Carolina placed fourth.

Carolina stated,

I am grateful for all the teachers at Seminole State and the colleagues and students who gave me so much support,

Carolina Alvarez, a former Seminole State College ESOL Student

Adult Education and Family Literacy, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Continuation Project and Adult General Education Continuation Project

By the Florida Department of Education

Grant Benefits:

Grant funding for Integrated Education & Training (IET) has enabled Seminole State College of Florida’s Adult General Education, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education programs to combine basic educational attainment with a skill. The program’s success is evidenced by over 100 certifications as a Specialist in Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) awarded to English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and General Educational Development (GED) Prep students to date. This program has maintained a steady enrollment, successful completion of a credential of value, and served as a catalyst for improved job placement outcomes.

An adult education classroom

Spotlight Activity and Achievement:

The stories of two students provide excellent examples of the impact IET has on improved job outcomes. While working at a local gas station convenience store and attending Seminole State, as an IET GED MOS student, one individual attained certification in MOS and upon completion accepted a job with a data analyst firm. He now earns almost 45% over his initial wage and has increased opportunities for advancement within that field.

Another student, a professional engineer in her home country of Colombia but unable to practice in the United States, was out of work for over two years since arriving in the U.S. By enrolling in Seminole State’s IET ESOL MOS class and attaining MOS certification, she garnered an entry-level position with a local engineering firm. Her credentials from Colombia were assessed by a certified education evaluation service, and her qualifications are anticipated to be recognized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers once she passes the state and local examinations.

Helping Florida:

The continued viability of IET programs and achievement of the student’s goals as previously highlighted are attributed to a combination of qualified instructor

collaboration for solid curriculum-based instruction, funding for cutting-edge learning programs, continued professional development and staying informed about current state-recognized certification opportunities.

Future IET program successes also rely on alliances with industry partners, which must be maintained and nurtured to spearhead and organize cohesive efforts that will directly impact local community, city, county and state endeavors. IET has brought educational facilities and industry partners, along with the Florida Department of Education, together to discuss how filling required industry needs will create and sustain economic growth from inception to implementation to achievement.

Implementation Innovation for Florida Ready to Work – Florida State University High School, Tallahassee, FL

Submitted by Florida Ready to Work

Florida Ready to Work is the state’s career readiness training and credentialing program, preparing students with the employability skills required to take the next step toward technical training, apprenticeship and employment. High schools, state colleges, adult education programs and career and technical education partners across Florida are utilizing Florida Ready to Work to help prepare their students with the skills most in demand by employers. One innovative implementation partner is Florida State University Schools (FSUS) in Tallahassee.

As a part of the FSUS on the job training curriculum, students work their way through the Work Ready Math, Work Ready Reading and Work Ready Data courses in preparation to sit for the assessments to earn their Florida Ready to Work Credential.

When asked why she chose to utilize the Florida Ready to Work program with her

students, FSUS OJT instructor, Lisa Phillips, said,

In the last several years, I have encountered many young people struggling with basic employability skills in the workplace, such as counting change and calculating percentages. I felt that Florida Ready to Work better prepared my students with these skills and provided them exposure to situations they would encounter in the workforce. I want our students to be able to put their best foot forward.

Students in Ms. Phillips’ class also utilized the Florida Soft Skills courseware, and she indicated that her favorite part about the program was the Thinking Critically/ Problem Solving Module,

“I love that students see the skills that we are teaching them in school be applied to workplace settings. It gives them the opportunity to see that they are gaining skills they are going to need in their future careers.

After a touch base call with the Florida Ready to Work team, FSUS decided to engage more students with the Florida Ready to Work program by offering the opportunity to earn the Florida Soft Skills Credential. The Florida Soft Skills Credential validates mastery of the essential soft skills most in demand by employers today. FSUS invited the entire senior class to sit for the one-hour proctored assessment as they get ready for graduation.

More than 90 students came to the voluntary soft skills assessment session. Students flexed their adaptability muscles when the location needed to be changed at the last minute. FSUS students have earned more than 120 Florida Ready to Work Credentials and Florida Soft Skills Credentials this year. These seniors can

confidently add foundational employability and essential soft skills validated by their Florida Ready to Work Credentials and their Florida Soft Skills Credentials to their resumes as they prepare for their next step.

Ms. Phillips said,

This program is important and exposes students to real-world problems that they will have to navigate once they get a job. We are looking forward to expanding our utilization of the program next school year.

For more information, visit FloridaReadytoWork.com

Students working on the FSUS on the job training curriculum

The Able Trust Summer Program at USF Highlights Support of CTE Pathways

Submitted by The Able Trust

For over 25 years, The Able Trust’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program has given high school students with disabilities opportunities to explore jobs and postsecondary education leading to in-demand careers. Through this program, The Able Trust supports and encourages student participation in career and technical education pathways – a proven method of increasing the potential for financial prosperity and independence for persons with disabilities.

This summer, The Able Trust will provide HSHT students who have an interest in a career in nursing with the opportunity to attend a summer program hosted by the University of South Florida College of Nursing. The two-day Nursing Summer Scholars Program will include sessions focused on the role of a professional nurse and different career opportunities in the field. Students participating in the summer program will receive guidance and encouragement while participating in engaging activities.

The goals of the program are to:

• Introduce students to the nursing profession through hands-on learning experiences;

• Give students the opportunity to form connections with peers who have similar career and educational goals; and

• Engage and inspire participants to pursue a career in nursing.

This type of experience is just one way in which HSHT creates pathways to CTE careers at and beyond each of the program’s 43 sites throughout Florida. HSHT links students with disabilities

to a broad range of academic, career development and experiential resources, enabling the students to learn by doing and preparing them to better meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

HSHT has been shown to reduce dropout rates and improve the self-esteem of participating students, and 99% of seniors participating in the program successfully graduate high school. In addition, 756 HSHT students completed a career experience during the 2021-22 school year.

To learn more about High School High Tech, visit https://www.abletrust.org/highschool-high-tech/.

The Able Trust is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment.

Students at the summer program hosted by the University of South Florida College of Nursing

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT STARability Foundation

Submitted by the STARability Foundation

For nearly four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities, not disabilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. STARability’s compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming

opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities.

We refer to the individuals in our programs as STARs because they brighten our lives, our community and our world. Our STARs inspire our work and spark our passion to create new initiatives and to build on the innovative programs that help them thrive. STARs show us again and again the achievements and milestones they can accomplish – reaching new goals each day, developing critical life skills and laying the foundation for a positive future.

says Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation.

To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.

STARabiliy STARs

Governor DeSantis Signs Three Bills

CS/CS/SB 240 – Education

CS/CS/CS/SB 266 – Higher Education

CS/CS/HB 931 – Postsecondary Educational Institutions

Read more >>

COMMISSIONER DIAZ ANNOUNCES THE ADOPTION OF 13 NEW CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS

Read more >>

FLORIDA CELEBRATES APRIL AS FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM MONTH

Read more >>

Florida expands career, technical education options

Read more >>

DeSantis Administration Recognizes April as Florida College System Month

Read more >>

UPCOMING EVENTS

JUNE 6 IS NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY

National Higher Education Day is celebrated on June 6 every year to recognize the importance of education in improving our lives.

JUNE 14-20 IS NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS WEEK

National Nursing Assistants Week, which takes place on the Thursday of the second full week of June, is a week full of celebrations honoring the hard work of assistant nurses.

JUNE 23 IS NATIONAL HVAC DAY

Every June 22 we Celebrate National HVAC Tech Day to honor our very hard-working repairmen and women keeping us cool in the blazing heat.

JUNE 28 IS NATIONAL LOGISTICS DAY

Annually, National Logistics Day™ on June 28th promotes appreciation for the important role the logistics industry plays in both our national and global economies!