CTE Newsletter September 2021

BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021 EDITION 2

A bimonthly newsletter highlighting the transformative power of Florida’s CTAE programs.

WELCOME letter 144 days remain in the 2021 calendar year. For most people, the journey towards aspirational goals begins with New Year’s Day. As educators, we begin the “New Year” in the early fall with the return of our students. Unique to career, technical and adult education, many of our students enroll in courses continuing through the summer, rapidly accelerating towards their future career goals. At the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career, Technical and Adult Education (CTAE), we are grateful for the time invested into Florida’s students. We know many of you exchange summer vacations for continued instruction. Your devotion directly contributes to much of our students’ success in quickly earning highly valued credentials and skillsets, transforming the economy, workforce and lives of Floridians.

Kathleen Taylor Bureau Chief Bureau of Standards, Benchmarks and Frameworks

With the start of the new year, we aim to work towards many ambitions including becoming number one in the nation for workforce education, the 10th largest economy in the world and securing a high-value postsecondary certificate, degree or training experience for more than 60% of Floridians—all by 2030. These long-term resolutions, draw the blueprint for our short-term goals. As you set your goals for this school year, know that the extra hours invested in your students, untraditional work schedules and continued commitments to the CTAE community are appreciated.

Much like many of you, we have set goals. As a priority, we will continue to support you in the development of innovative programs, expansion of registered apprenticeships, promotion of CTAE and other offer critical assistance. To further strengthen our team, we welcome the addition of talented and experienced new staff. With a warm welcome, each of these new staff members join you charting CTAE student success. On behalf of Chancellor Mack, Vice Chancellor Goodman, and the entire CTAE team, we want to welcome you to the start of the year and thank you, again, for your commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to the cause that is workforce readiness for all our students and residents.

Dr. Ashley Yopp | Bureau Chief, Adult Education Ashley Yopp is a native of North Carolina and has worked in secondary and post-secondary education for the past 12 years as a high school agriculture teacher, teacher educator and research scientist. Ashley received a B.A. in Political Science from East Carolina University, a M.S. in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University and a PhD in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication from Texas A&M University. As a teacher educator and scientist at the University of Georgia, Ashley’s STEM Integration and Research Development Laboratory focused on understanding workforce needs to build interdisciplinary capacities for the future of work in rural Georgia.

Rachel Ludwig | Director, Professional Development & Provider Performance Originally from Wisconsin, Rachel joins us as a former education/faculty member in the Wisconsin Technical College System where she was an ABE/ GED/ESOL faculty member. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin and a M.A. in Adult, Continuing and Literacy Education from National-Louis University. Rachel oversees all professional development activities for adult education. In addition, she works closely with providers and program administrators on strategies for improving local and regional performance.

NiñaFe Awong | Director, Career & Technical Education NiñaFe has joined us as the new Director of Career and Technical Education, overseeing all standards, benchmarks and frameworks for K12 and postsecondary career and technical education programs. NiñaFe succeeds Eric Owens, who recently retired after many years of dedicated service to the state and its students. NiñaFe holds a M.B.A. from Amberton University and M.S. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Throughout her career in education, NiñaFe has demonstrated her passion and commitment to helping students, as well as enhancing fellow educators’ ability to prepare students for the future. She intends to bring the same level of commitment and energy to her new role.

Alexandria Armstrong | Director, Career, Technical & Adult Education Articulation Alexandria earned her B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies from Florida State University and a M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Alexandria’s work in higher education has focused on student enrollment and retention, evaluation and articulation and advising. Alexandria is passionate about developing strategies that enhance the student experience through seamless transitions within education and career pathways. Her work will be dedicated to helping the Department execute critical career, technical and adult education articulation-related opportunities, such as developing more statewide non-credit to credit articulation agreements and A.S. to B.S. agreements.

Jessica Maddox | Program Specialist, Office of Research and Evaluation A Florida native, Jessica (Jessi) is a double graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Social Science Education and a M.S. in Information.

She spent six years teaching Social Studies at the middle school level before attending graduate school in 2017 and began her career with the Department of Education in 2018 as a contractor for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

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TABLE OF contents 4|

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STUDENT SENSATION

CTE Digital Design Student Adds a Splash of Color to the Halls of East Lake Elementary School in Osceola County

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Charlotte Technical College Lands $2m Aircraft Engine As A Gift to Train Students

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Workforce Warriors Meet Erika Miller, the Educator, Mentor and Mother

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FACTE TEACHER AWARDS

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A MODEL OF SERVICE

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CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION

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Miami-Dade School District Partners with Community for Summer Youth Internship Program

With Strength, FFA Made For Times Like These: 93rd Florida FFA State Convention & Expo

FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM

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APPRENTICE FLORIDA RESOURcE HIGHLIGHT

GRANTS IN ACTION

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GUESS WHO

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SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUTOUTS

Eastern Florida State College’s Newest Learning Center Supported by US Defense Department

Entrepreneurship Education & Training Grant Success Story: Sumter County Students Successfully Bait Local Business Sharks

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SWNSATION

Salma, an upcoming senior at Tohopekaliga High School stands proudly in front of her mural at East Lake Elementary School.

STUDENt sensation of the school they go to,” said Will Hennessy, principal of East Lake Elementary School. Principal Hennessy has converted the walls of East Lake Elementary School into a blank canvas for Tohopekaliga High School’s Digital Design and Arts students.

CTE Digital Design Student Adds a Splash of Color to the Halls of East Lake Elementary School in Osceola County

“Miss Mohess told all the students to do something for this school [East Lake] using inspirational people,” said Salma, a rising Tohopekaliga senior. “I thought Martin Luther King Jr. would be perfect because of his history and everything.”

The article was written by Janae Muchmore and Submitted by Donna Rain O’Dell, Donna.RainODell@osceolaschools.net

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=y5xkHdAFauc A splash of color goes a long way.

While this mural is sure to inspire East Lake Elementary students for

“I think the kids need to be proud 4

generations to come, it’s also inspiring the artist herself. “I’m from Dominican Republic, and all my dreams are coming true,” said Salma. “Design isn’t a career there; you can’t make money for this, so it’s impressive to have this opportunity.”

the creative process,” said Jenny Mohess. “How do we do that? Integrate the students, and show them the bigger picture.”

Not only will Salma gain college credit through the class, but she will also have the chance to gain real experience The Martin Luther King Jr. mural, which when Tohopekaliga High School opens is now proudly displayed in the East its own design agency this August.

Lake Elementary stairwell, was also included in Salma’s five-piece portfolio “We will be hiring students in my level 4 class to run the agency. We get to see for the Adobe Certified Associate how they would actually run a business US National Championships. Salma placed within the Top 10, earning her a which is what Salma wants to do,” said Ms. Mohess. $100 scholarship and a tablet.

“All the things you can think, it’s going to happen. I didn’t know I’d be in the top 10 on anything because the US is huge,” said Salma.

For more information about the Arts, A/v Technology & Communication career cluster, contact Melissa.

Tomlin@fldoe.org

Salma is entering her third year in Osceola County’s CTE digital design program. With some exciting things in store for Miss Mohess’ class, it’s going to be a year to remember.

“What we’re trying to really do is merge the programs together, so basically with graphic design and art you have 5

Erika Miller congratulates Rodney Adams after a game.

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workforce warriors tours, coordinated with academic advisors and coaches, drove him to campuses and kept a cereal reserve in the classroom to fuel his focus.

MEET ERIKA MILLER, EDUCATOR, MENTOR AND MOTHER

Rodney’s hard work yielded offers from several colleges, ultimately deciding to don the green and gold as a University of South Florida Bull after transferring from the University of Toledo. During his sophomore year, his mother was tragically killed in a car accident. Without hesitation, Erika guided her former student through life’s challenges and would continue to mentor him through his journey as a National Football League (NFL) draft pick.

By DCAE Staff

Have you ever met someone and instantaneously felt inspired, only to be further motivated by their genuine passion for life? Meet Erika Miller, educator, mentor and mother.

Erika Miller teaches Allied Health at Lakewood High School in St Petersburg, Pinellas County.

Throughout her teaching career she received a series of awards and recognitions including Lakewood High School Teacher of the Year, Future Business Leaders of America Advisor Hall of Fame, Florida Association for Career and Technical Educators Outstanding Educator in Community Service, Pinellas County Athletic Trainer of the Year, Gatorade District IX Secondary School Trainer of the Year and many more. Of all her hard-earned titles, her favorite is mom.

“Erika is the most caring, selfless, motivated person that I know. She believed in me and stuck with me through a lot and I’m proud, grateful and blessed to have her in my life,” said Rodney.

Like many educators, Erika selflessly devotes her life, in and out of the classroom, to her students. For former student, Rodney Adams, Erika’s commitment changed his life. As an exceptional student athlete, Rodney began receiving calls from college recruiters across the country. His talent and unlimited potential soon left him overwhelmed with opportunities.

Refusing to see her student falter to the weight of his own success, Erika supported him in his college endeavors. Often, she organized college

Today, Rodney plays for the Chicago Bears, is married and expecting his first child. By his side, stands Erika, who Rodney recruited to join the family in the position of mom, and soon to be grandma for this season and every season of life.

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A MODEL OF service These funds provide the wages for many of the summer internships, which achieve several noteworthy accomplishments. First, the program reduces barriers for internship sponsors through the intern compensation model. In Miami-Dade, the county provides direct wages to the student interns rather than the internship sponsor, reducing liabilities and costs incurred by the employer.

Ultimately, increasing the number of businesses willing to participate in offering these summer internships.

MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY FOR SUMMER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

By Lee Chips-Walton

Another noteworthy mention of the program model, participating students increase their financial literacy through a partnership with the South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union (SFEFCU). SFEFCU opens accounts for all students participating in internships to help manage the $1,400 stipend. The funds direct deposit into the provided accounts, affording students an opportunity to build credit and gain the skills necessary for future financial independence.

As one of the largest school districts in the nation, Miami-Dade Public Schools thinks big when it comes to work-based learning, and they have the numbers to prove it. During summer 2020, they worked nearly 325,000 hours to support: • 2,072 students; • 1,263 (61%) virtual internships • 331 (16%) hybrid internships • 1378 (67%) students qualified for free/ reduced lunch • 237 (11%) students were youth with disabilities • 57 schools; • 70 teachers, including ESE certified teachers who supervise ESE interns; and • 594 employers.

As a bonus, Miami-Dade Public Schools uniquely partners with Miami-Dade College and Florida International University whereby, if the students meet eligibility requirements, they can dual enroll and receive college credit for their participation.

174 students received college credit for their workbased learning in 2020.

Miami-Dade Public Schools demonstrates the value in community partnership, investing locally to best serve students through work-based learning programs such as internships. To learn more about Miami-Dade’s summer internship program, please visit www.ctemiami.net/internships-2021/ .

The District partnered with several regional organizations to create an internship fund of over $4 million. Contributors include EdFed, formerly the Educational Federal Credit Union, CareerSource South Florida, the Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County and the Foundation for New Education Initiatives.

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As part of IACMI’s Advanced Composites Career Pathways program, representatives from Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and the Space Coast Consortium (SCC) were sent to in Utah participating in composites technician training at Davis Technical College.

FLORIDA college system Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is the newest home to an advanced composites learning center designed to educate and train composites technicians to support Florida’s Space Coast manufacturing region. This program expands Florida’s student apprenticeship opportunities to emerging industries including space, aviation, aerospace and defense.

EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE’S NEWEST LEARNING CENTER SUPPORTED BY the US DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Read full article: https://iacmi.org/2021/07/28/ iacmi-expands-advanced-composites-trainingto-support-floridas-space-coast-manufacturingworkforce/

By The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation

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GRANTS IN action winner, earning direct investments to support her business concept You Spend Me Right Around. Each school earned a 1st place and a 2nd place award.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION & TRAINING GRANT SUCCESS STORY: SUMTER COUNTY STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY BAIT LOCAL BUSINESS SHARKS

The first place finalists were: South Sumter High School - Cori Riddell, Solar Lightning; The Villages Charter High School - Olivia Williams, You Spend Me Right Round; Wildwood Middle High School - Jaylyn Charpentier, Charpe Style Jewelry. Each of these finalists received a $1,000.00 cash prize from the award sponsors to further their entrepreneurship idea.

By DCAE Staff

Second Place Finalists were: South Sumter High - Abigail Derby-Wine, Mix and Mask; The Villages Charter High - Elisabeth Ngo, La Beautique; Wildwood Middle High - Calvin Hoopes, Speed Detailing. All second place finalists received $500.00 from the award sponsors to further their entrepreneurship idea.

Earlier this year the Sumter County School District invested their Perkins V Entrepreneurship Education & Training Grant (EET) award into a “Shark Tank” inspired event for high school and middle school students. With nearly 60 applicants, the top finalists demonstrated their entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities by delivering business pitches to a panel of judges. The student concepts were judged on creativity, innovation, market potential, competitive landscape, product clarity and operational sustainability.

The third through fifth place finalists of the online competition from each school displayed posters outlining their business ideas and received $100 to further their Entrepreneurship plans for next year’s competition.

After suspenseful negotiations and rigorous inquisitions, Olivia Williams of The Villages Charter School was named the overall

The Display Finalists were: from South Sumter High School - Destiny and David 10

Barnes (team), Auston Chisenhall and Raelyn Simmons; from The Villages Charter High Schooll - Cylie Reeder, Rebecca Spangler and Ashley Delezenne (team) and Magdalen Stansberry; from Wildwood Middle High School - Caleb Pickens and Austin Peavy (team), Nicole Vega Soto and Randy “RJ” Mears.

chart their paths of success.

Whether they become the next household name CEO or local small business leader, students participating in EET-funded programs are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in Florida’s globally competitive economy.

Sumter County School District demonstrates the endless opportunities made available through the Florida Department of Education’s EET Grant program. Florida’s Perkins V State Plan commits to creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem through career and technical education (CTE).

Business equity is the second-largest source of wealth behind home equity and for special populations, self-employment and the ability to effectively create value contribute to Florida’s greater economic security. In short, becoming an entrepreneur is a viable path to improving Florida’s economic and social mobility rates. CTE does not just prepare students to take jobs, but creates the jobs of the future.

Entrepreneurship education and training (EET) refer to both academic education and formal training interventions or activities that share the broad objective of providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to start, operate or scale an enterprise. Through EET-funded programs, we have seen Florida’s students gain the socio-emotional skills and capacity for successful business management and venturing. Through EET, our students acquire skills such as self-confidence, leadership, resilience and the self-efficacy needed to 11

Photo credit: Business Observer

TEAMWORK MAKES the dream work

Miami area aviation industry attorney and executive Patrice Robinet has donated a $2 million engine to Charlotte Technical College for student training purposes.

CHARLOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE LANDS $2M AIRCRAFT ENGINE AS A GIFT To TRAIN STUDENTS

Read full article: https://www.businessobserverfl. com/article/college-lands-dollar2m-aircraftengine-as-gift-to-train-students?amp&__twitter_ impression=true

By Business Observer

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FACTE teacher awards Teacher Awards Teacher of the Year Outstanding Teacher in Community Service Outstanding New Teacher (Rookie) Outstanding Secondary Student Outstanding PostSecondary Student Outstanding Apprentice Award Business Partnership Award Professional Hall of Fame Professional Hall of Fame CAD Academy Innovation Award Superintendent of the Year Support Hall of Fame

Farrah Johnson

Deltona High School - Volusia County Schools

Erika B Miller

Lakewood High School - Pinellas County Schools

Amanda Clark

Southeast High School - Manatee County

Student Awards Barrett Young

Branford High School - Suwannee County Schools

Patrick Franks

Orange Technical College Westside Campus - Orange County

Kevin Wood

Marchman Technical College - Pasco County

Other Awards Dean Blinkhorn

Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership

Rob Aguis

Pasco County Schools

Dr. Lupe Ferran Diaz

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Lauren Walden Ebert

Virtual Auto Career Fair

Diane Kornegay

Lake County Superintendent of Schools

Carol Cazessus Caz Meetings

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career and technical student organization 2021 state officer team “We are strong. We are FFA. And we were made for a time such as this.”

WITH STRENGTH, FFA MADE FOR TIMES LIKE THESE: 93RD FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The 2020-2021 State FFA Officer Team included: • Riley Rowe, State FFA President • Emma Poole, State FFA Secretary • Morgan Raper, Area I State Vice President • Morgan Young, Area II State Vice President • Parker Kruse, Area III State Vice President • Jonathan Stephens, Area IV State Vice President • Christian Bentrovato, Area V State Vice President • Aubrey Pearce, Area VI State Vice President

By DCAE Staff

The Florida Future Farmers of America (FFA) Association proudly hosted the highly anticipated 93rd Florida FFA State Convention and Expo from June 14th - 18th at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

With 4,363 members, teachers, parents and supporters in attendance, the 2020-2021 Florida FFA State Officer recognized thousands of students for their outstanding accomplishments over the last year. These achievements include their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), alumni member’s outstanding contributions and chapters showcasing their excellence in growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.

92 state officer teams served the Florida FFA Association and its members on the state level, with unparalleled distinction. This past year, the team pioneered new opportunities for agriculture students in an atypical year. After the convention, six more students were elected to serve the association in the same capacity. Serving as a Florida FFA State Officer is an honor and privilege that will not be soon forgotten. This new state officer team will be responsible for ensuring that students, advisors and stakeholders alike continue to make an impact across the globe regarding agricultural education and FFA.

Students and teachers engaged in over 55 workshops designed to further their knowledge in leadership and the agricultural industry. These workshops were facilitated by visiting State FFA Officers, industry representatives and students from the University of Florida. The Florida FFA State Convention and Expo mark the end of one year, but the beginning of the next.

The 2021-2022 Florida FFA State Officer Team Includes: • Julia Heijkoop, State FFA President • Carter Howell, State FFA Secretary • Meg Alexander, Area I State Vice President • Barrett Young, Area II State Vice President • Tyler Brannan, Area IV State Vice President • Jillian Johnston, Area VI State Vice President

This year, we exercised resilience beyond measure.

In this resilience, we work to inspire, unify and strengthen our communities. To quote the 2020-

For convention session archives, please visit www.flaffa.org.

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Photo credit: TK Photography

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apprEntice florida resource highlight Apprenticeships, a proven training method benefiting students, job seekers, educators, businesses and industries.

Remaining committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, we partnered with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and CareerSource Florida to launch Apprentice Florida.

To continue this momentum, we have developed additional resources and materials such as the Business Toolkit, How to Start an Apprenticeship Guide and our Apprentice Florida website. We are excited to announce our new Educator Toolkit and the Animated Apprentice Florida video. We encourage you to utilize and share these tools with your partners in workforce development, education, business and industry.

Business Toolkit

apprenticeflorida.com

education toolkit

GUESS who?

I worked as a character performer for corporate events, community celebrations and birthday parties as Cinderella, Rapunzel and several other fairytale characters. My monogram is SAD, 100% antithetical to my personality! Who am I? Elizabeth Winger, CTE State Supervisor Lisa Williams, Adult Education, ESOL Program Specialist Sierra Anderson, Director of Outreach and Recruitment Bruce Harrington Director, Federal and State Initiatives Gloria Spradley-Brown, Bureau Chief, Grants Administration and Compliance

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Last Edition’s Guess Who was Liz Moya, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Articulation 17

SOCIAL MEDIA shoutouts

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upcoming events The Able Trust Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) is part of a national initiative highlighting career paths and industries for students and job seekers with disabilities. Disability Mentoring Day is Oct. 21. Participate in this nationwide effort to promote professional development for students with disabilities. Learn how to prepare and support your CTAE students as they seek gainful employment in high-demand industries by visiting The Able Trust here.

FloridaMakes and FLATE Celebrate Manufacturing Month

FloridaMakes and The Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) will celebrate October’s Manufacturing month through a variety of special events, webinars, local site tours and several other activities. Give your students the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, leaving a lasting curiosity and potential passion for manufacturing. For more information, please visit FloridaMakes here.

2021 ACE Annual Conference

The Adult and Community Educators of Florida Annual Conference will be held on September 27-29 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Join your fellow adult and community educators in representing, promoting and advocating for adult and community education programs and services throughout the state. To learn more, please visit the ACE of Florida Foundation here.

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