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March 2007 Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
In addition to education news, the March 2007 newsletter contains information about educator grants, conferences, workshops, and an online survey for ESE teachers. Links to more information about the topics covered in this month’s newsletter are located on the “Just for Teachers” web page at http://www.fldoe.org/justforteachers. Contact me any time with questions, concerns, or suggestions!
News
Florida Focuses on Math and Science: New Research Center Created
Governor Charlie Crist recently announced the formation of an initiative designed to increase math and science achievement in Florida schools. This new initiative creates the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and establishes the Office for Math and Science in the Department of Education. The Office for Math and Science will oversee the development and implementation of new world-class math and science standards, develop and deliver professional development, and coordinate all state and federally funded programs in these subject areas. The Center will be housed at Florida State University and will support the Department of Education’s efforts to increase the rigor and relevance of secondary programs to increase the number of students who graduate prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Funded by the Florida Legislature with a $2 million grant, the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will conduct research and use these research-based findings to support the Office for Math and Science in the Department of Education. The center will be led by Sir Harold Kroto, co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and an ardent advocate for K-12 science education worldwide. In addition, Florida State University will hire three to six nationally and internationally renowned math and science faculty members. The grant was awarded to Florida State University following a competitive bid process.
For more information, visit: Just For Teachers .
Send Your Story
Does your school or district currently offer a challenging, innovative, math or science program? Do you know a math or science teacher who creates creative, hands-on learning experiences for students? If so, tell me about it! Email me at: justforteachers@fldoe.org
Protecting Florida Students: The Role of the Teacher
Each day, parents entrust their children to the teachers of Florida schools. In addition to providing instruction, a teacher is just one of many public servants expected to protect Florida’s children. Students are not only protected by their teachers, school staff, principals, and resource officers, but also by district personnel, state officials and law enforcement officers. Teaching is a profession governed by a Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct. While most educators adhere to these guidelines for appropriate and professional behavior, there are cases in which teacher misconduct occurs. Recently, some notorious cases have increased the awareness of educator misconduct and have caused concern for communities, schools, school districts and states across the country.
When a Florida educator is found to have engaged in conduct that violates the Florida Statutes or the Code of Ethics, a district must report these findings to the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Professional Practices for investigation. The Bureau of Professional Practices reviews and investigates the allegations to determine if action should be taken against an educator’s Florida Educator Certificate. After a complete investigation, the facts of a case will be reviewed and a determination will be made as to whether or not disciplinary action against a certificate is warranted. The Department of Education may only take action against the teacher’s Florida certificate; if criminal charges are involved, law enforcement or the state attorneys office may also take action.
In an effort to assist teachers, parents and districts in assuring a safe, healthy environment for all students, the Department of Education has established MyFloridaTeacher.com, a resource intended to inform concerned stakeholders about the Code of Ethics to which Florida educators must adhere, the status of an educator’s teaching certificate, and whether an educator’s certificate has been suspended, denied or revoked. This information is a matter of public record and will be available before next school year via MyFloridaTeacher.com. While the website is under construction, teachers, parents, and districts logging on to the site will be taken to multiple resources provided by the Bureau of Professional Practices.
Celebrating Florida Teachers, Schools, and Districts
Teacher Talk: An Inside Look at Florida Education
In the second show, airing throughout March 2007, Florida Teacher of the Year, Conney Dahn talks with me about her experiences as a teacher of cognitively disabled children and her vision for educational programs leading to jobs and independence for her students. She also talks about her experiences as Florida’s Teacher of the Year. In addition, 2005 Duval County Teacher of the Year, Chip Leonard, talks about the importance of allowing high school students to focus on areas of interest to them in order to bring relevance to their studies. Leon County student, Kelley Finn, gives feedback on the Florida “Major Areas of Interest” initiative from the student perspective.
Also Featured:
Governor’s Office 2007 Legislative Budget Recommendations for Education
- State Board of Education Legislative Priorities for Education
- A sneak peek at results of a recent online survey of Florida teachers
- Sunshine State Standards Revisions
- The Florida Teacher of the Year teacher recognition program.
To view this program at your leisure, visit: http://www.fldoe.org/JustForTeachers/TV/
The Core: Stories of Teacher and Student Success
For stories of success from Florida students and teachers, as well additional news from the Florida Department of Education, be sure to check out recent issues of this publication. If you like it, you may subscribe by following the steps outlined in each issue. For more information, visit: Just For Teachers .
Upcoming Conferences and Workshops
(Please refer questions to the sponsor of the conference or workshop.)
Florida Association of Partners in Education: April 18-20, 2007
The Florida Association of Partners in Education aims to increase the availability of resources for the formation and support of effective partnerships between educators and community stakeholders; increase the awareness about the importance of partnerships for promoting student success; and promote the importance of effective partnerships to policymakers. The conference is packed with cutting-edge ideas and new programs. Keynote speakers and workshop leaders bring the most up-to-date information. They inspire, teach and entertain; updating the skills of Florida's school volunteer program leaders and participants. In addition to the great in-service opportunities, the conference provides a glittering array of awards celebrations and socials. More than 800 conference attendees representing the volunteer sector from business, community, government and schools focus on the positive impact community involvement initiatives can have on education and student achievement. Interested in attending this year’s conference?
This seminar focuses on hands-on science activities, strategies to differentiate and reach all students, collaboration with teachers that are currently using these skills in their classrooms, and building new ideas for stepping outside of the box to explore new ways of teaching. Cost: $225 ($245 within 6 days of workshop date) including breakfast, lunch, and resource guide. For more information visit: Just For Teachers .
2007 Child Protection Mini-Conference: May 10, 2007
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL (Lake Co.)
The Lake County Shared Services Network (of Lake County Schools) is holding a Child Protection Mini-Conference at Lake-Sumter Community College on May 10, 2007. The conference focuses on school safety and character development. Keynote speakers will include Michael Dorn, Director and Founder of Safe Havens International, and Dr. Dennis Parker, co-author of the “Changing Lives” character curriculum, and the football coach portrayed in the book and film “Friday Night Lights.” Cost: $15.00 and open to the public. For more information and to register, please visit: Just For Teachers .
Redesigning Teacher Compensation: May 14-15, 2007
Please join the Florida Department of Education in Orlando as it hosts the first national conference on the redesign of teacher compensation. This event will feature general sessions with keynote speakers, panels, and roundtable discussions from experts in the field at district, state and national levels. Presenters include prominent researchers, United States Department of Education staff, state legislators, district superintendents, and representatives from other states. Education policy makers with an interest in teacher compensation are encouraged to attend, as issues to be covered include base salary, performance pay, incentive pay, and more.
Sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council, this seminar explores the period between WWI and the Great Depression when a group of African Americans came together in Harlem and unleashed a creative whirlwind that changed the cultural and social landscape of America. This period in American history came to be known as the Harlem Renaissance although it occurred in many urban centers across the United States. Seminar participants will be immersed in the art, music, and rich social and historical context of this vibrant period of American history and will leave with rich lessons to take back to their classrooms. Format: Teachers apply in teams to attend this seminar. The seminar is designed to allow teachers the time and resources to develop interdisciplinary classroom projects. Teachers from humanities disciplines such as literature, history, social studies, drama, visual arts and music are invited to apply with 2 – 4 other teacher colleagues from their schools. Cost: $500 covering lodging, meals, tuition, and other materials. Interested in more information?
Just Read, Florida! Leadership Conference: August 5-8, 2007
Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Just Read, Florida! Leadership Conference to be held August 5-8, 2007, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. This year’s conference promises to be the most exciting event ever with more than 4,000 principals, assistant principals, reading coaches, and district administrators sharing what works for improving literacy in Florida’s schools through more than 300 breakout sessions. Only one reading coach and one administrator from each school may attend.
Educator Awards and Grants
(Please refer questions to the sponsor of the award or grant.)
Governor’s Awards Program (GAP): Florida Council on Economic Education
The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) is currently accepting nominations for the Florida Governor’s Awards for teachers of financial literacy, free enterprise, and economics. The deadline for submission is Thursday, April 5th. This year, as compared to prior years, more teachers will be recognized and winners will receive travel stipends to attend the dinner and event on May 18th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Submit your entry soon to qualify to win cash and great prizes. For more information and to access a nomination form, visit: Just For Teachers.
Rural Mathematics and Science Educators Scholarships for Online Study
Western Governors University is offering the WGU Scholarships for Rural Mathematics and Science Educators. These scholarships, valued at up to $7,500, are designed to help working adults attend college online to become highly-qualified mathematics and science teachers in America's rural schools. They are made available through a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who Should Apply:
Teachers currently teaching in a rural school district or rural school, or individuals willing to commit to teach in a rural school Individuals interested in one of the eligible bachelor's, master's, or post-baccalaureate teaching programs in mathematics or science
Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence: Middle School Teachers
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
This program invites 12 teachers and five scientists from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to participate in a three-week, three-semester-hour, graduate course consisting of five days in residence for field activities and 10 days involved in distance-learning spread over a three-week timeframe. The program establishes a partnership between marine research scientists and teachers of middle grades, giving each the opportunity to share information and ideas about scientific research and science education. The content focuses on coastal processes, habitats and organisms, and marine technology. The course may also be taken for continuing education units. The Institute establishes a working partnership between marine and ocean scientists and teachers, giving each the opportunity to share information and ideas about scientific research and science education. The grant provides room and board, a wealth of ocean sciences education materials, instruction, and a $500 stipend for each participant.
Surveys
Online Survey for ESE Teachers
ESE Teachers interested in giving their feedback to the Department of Education regarding Access Points for Mathematics Sunshine State Standards, may do so until March 31, 2007.
Results for “Teacher Experiences” Online Survey
The results of the recent “Teacher Experiences” online survey will be made available in the April “Just for Teachers” newsletter. For a sneak peek at some of the results, check out the second show of “Teacher Talk: An Inside Look at Florida Education” located at: http://www.fldoe.org/JustForTeachers/TV/ .
Did You Know?
In a survey of over 81,000 high school students from 110 schools in 26 states, conducted by Indiana University, 60 percent indicated that they were unable to see the value in the work that they were being asked to do while nearly 40 percent felt bored because the material "wasn't relevant to me." In order to make their studies more relevant to today’s students in Florida, next year’s incoming 9th graders will be choosing a “major area of interest.” View more information about the study conducted by Indiana University or Florida’s Major Area of Interest initiative.
Best wishes for a well-deserved, restful spring break.
Nicole