Cultivating Future Educators

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Realizing a nationwide need for high-quality educators, Superintendent Jenkins wanted to provide a program to attract OCPS high school students to the teaching profession. It would provide them with a strong foundation of the skills needed to be successful, while getting a head start on their college degree. In August 2018, this program took root at Edgewater High as the Center for Future Educators magnet, and the inaugural cohort of 10 students will graduate this month.

Led by CFE Coordinator and Instructor Linda Eneas, the students have completed the required course progression that includes four high school classes: Introduction to the Teaching Profession; Human Growth and Development; Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction; and Principles of Teaching. Additionally, the students have taken Introduction to the Teaching Profession and Diversity in Education or Art and Wellness through the Valencia College's dual-enrollment program.

There is a heavy emphasis on engagement, versus a “sit-and-get” method of learning. Eneas, an OCPS teacher for 10 years, models how to manage response rates and effective cooperative learning by utilizing techniques, such as inside-outside circle and think, pair, share. She also empowers students to conduct a teachback lesson that practices what they have learned.

“I signed up for the magnet program because I wanted to engage with a future generation of students and enhance their learning,” Crayton said. “My favorite parts of this magnet, aside from Mrs. E, has been engaging with other students who I may never have talked to and having the opportunity to learn how to become an effective teacher.”

“My ‘ah-ha’ moments occur when I can see students who were afraid to stand up in front of a classroom and teach or co-teach a lesson, and maybe even shook the entire time they first presented where they now stand firm in teaching a lesson, she said. “Those moments where they ask their peers to participate in activities, like inside-outside circle or think, pair, share, and to move around the classroom with confidence is gratifying.”

On one afternoon, Luani Crayton and Taylor Templeton taught a lesson to their peers about “Seven Classroom Management Techniques that Really Work.” The girls broke up the lesson into bite-size chunks by having their “students” read a portion of the article and respond to it. At each break, they encouraged the students to interact with the new content. This required physical movement throughout the classroom while sharing their responses with their peers. As the program evolves, so have the real-world opportunities. Instead of only practicing their skills on their peers, CFE students conducted virtual reading sessions with students at Ivey Lane Elementary. While appreciative of the experience, they looked most forward to their face-to-face session with the elementary students. 2563

The Center for Future Educators also emphasizes the importance of partnerships and making connections. The University of Central Florida’s School of Teacher Education, in the College of Community Innovation and Education, plays a vital role in supporting the future educators. Norine Blanch, Ph.D., Shane Trenta, Ed.D, and Marni Kay oversee the partnership with Ivey Lane Elementary, professional learning opportunities, as well as assist the students with the direct-connect process after they complete their Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College.

Eneas also has invited guest speakers, such as Bonnie Toffoli and Nathalie Cumbie from OCPS’ Talent Acquisition Department, to share their experiences in the classroom and to encourage the students to return “home” for a fulfilling teaching career.

“The OCPS Recruiting team is excited for these rising educators and soon-to-be graduates from the Center for Future Educators magnet,” said Bonnie Toffoli, OCPS director of Talent Acquisition and HR Compliance. “We look forward to supporting them through their college experiences, internship placements and onboarding them as future teachers at OCPS.”

Instructor Linda Eneas

Courses by Year

Introduction to the Teaching Profession

Human Growth and Development

Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction

Introduction to the Teaching Profession (online through Valencia College)

Principles of Teaching Diversity in Education - or - Art and Wellness (online through Valencia College)

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