The Core

2nd Annual STEM Virtual Career Fair
The Florida Department of Education is proud to partner with the Florida Virtual School and Elluminate Technology to host the 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Virtual Career Fair. This FREE one-day event is open to all Florida middle and high school students and provides an opportunity to learn directly from featured speakers about what it takes to be successful in STEM-related careers. Instead of having a job fair in a physical location – we are offering this great opportunity through a virtual forum! Various speakers will be presenting throughout the day, including a cancer research scientist, marine biologist, nurse anesthetist, and digital marketer, just to name a few.

Students are invited to participate in this exciting event on April 27th. For more details, visit www.fldoe.org/students. Any questions about the upcoming event can be directed to Hue Reynolds at Hue.Reynolds@fldoe.org or (850) 245-9670.

Literacy League Podcast Now Available for Download
The newest podcast for the Department of Education’s interactive book club Literacy League features Florida celebrated author Patrick D. Smith and his book “A Land Remembered.” Smith answers questions about the book, describes why he wrote it and shares details about his life as a writer on the podcast. The DOE’s Literacy League book club connects prominent authors with middle school students through a featured book, with a question-and-answer podcast available on iTunesU. The site offers free multimedia content to schools, parents, students, administrators and teachers both in Florida and around the world. To view the Literacy League podcasts, including the program for “A Land Remembered,” visit www.floridaitunesu.com.

Florida Virtual School® Offers Algebra I App
The Florida Virtual School® (FLVS) has developed the meStudying: Algebra I Smartphone App for iPhone and Android users. The app provides more than 300 algebra questions, detailed answers for each question and immediate feedback. Users even have the ability to review all completed questions or just those they answered incorrectly, making it a very useful study tool for the Algebra I End of Course exam. The app costs $4.99 in the iTunes Store or Android market. For more information, visit http://www.flvs.net/areas/studentservices/eoc/pages/default.aspx and look for the link to download the FLVS meStudying: Algebra I app.

Hope Street Group Teaching Fellows
The Hope Street Group is looking for educators who are leaders among their peers and want to share their expertise in helping shape national education policy to apply to be a Teacher Fellow. Selected Fellows will participate with other outstanding teachers from across the country to advocate for education policy changes, and bring insight from their classroom and community experiences gained through shaping local and state policies. The Hope Street Group is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to connect teachers with other education stakeholders and policy leaders to develop policy recommendations and advocates to improve teacher effectiveness. Applications are due by April 15, 2011. For more information, including the application form, visit www.hopestreetgroup.org/docs/DOC-2776.

SeaWorld Study Pass
SeaWorld Orlando is thanking Florida teachers by offering a Teacher Study Pass to all active and certified K-12 educators. The Study Pass will allow unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando through Dec. 31, 2011, with no blackout dates. For even more savings, teachers can purchase up to six additional tickets at $20 off each admission until May 31, 2011. Educators just need to bring their Florida teaching certificate, recent paystub and photo ID to any SeaWorld Orlando ticket window. For more information, visit www.SeaWorldOrlandoTeachers.com.

Teacher Quest Tampa Bay Program
The Teacher Quest Tampa Bay Program is offering paid opportunities for middle school teachers to participate in STEM-related externships in industry in the Tampa Bay area. Twenty teachers will have a chance to see firsthand how STEM subjects are used in the workplace. Externships run from June 20 – July 29, 2011. The applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. For more information, visit http://theendeavouracademy.com/teacherquest/tampa/index.html.

Call for Applications: Rural/Underserved and Small School Improvement Through Arts Integration
The Florida Alliance for Arts Education is seeking applications from rural, underserved and small schools or school districts with limited arts education to participate in a professional development research project over the next two years. The project aims to improve overall student performance by using an arts-integrated approach to teaching and learning. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2011. Visit www.faae.org for complete information and the application form.

Request for Presentations: Florida Distance Learning Association
The Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA) invites all interested individuals to submit proposals for the Annual FDLA conference in Sept. 2011. Using the conference theme, “Distance Learning: Best Practices and Beyond” presentations should raise awareness of the best practices in distance learning and strengthen distance education in the state and around the nation. Proposals must be postmarked by May 23, 2011. For more information, contact Conference Program Coordinator Tara Kobel at tleconsultants@aol.com.

Seeds of Success

Seminole State College Wins National Award
The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations has conferred a Paragon Award silver medal to Seminole State College of Florida for a college recruitment video sent to Seminole County high school seniors. The video was in the College Promotional Video category and was honored for excellence among marketing and public relations professionals at the nation’s state and community colleges. Congratulations to Seminole State College!

Florida Keys Community College Diving Program Earns National Accreditation
The Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) James E. Lockwood Jr. School of Diving and Underwater Technology is the only community college in the nation to be inducted into the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The distinguished designation means that all scientific diving activities at the school will function under the guidelines and standards of the AAUS and be overseen by an internal Dive Control Board comprised of college faculty and administrators. After successful completion of Basic Research Diving and Division Physiology and Emergency Medicine courses, students in the diving and marine science programs are now eligible to become FKCC/AAUS-Certified Scientific Divers, and will qualify to work with major research universities and various aquaria throughout the country such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Smithsonian Institute. For information about the diving and marine science programs at FKCC, visit http://www.fkcc.edu/academics/schoolofdiving.da.

Brevard County Teacher Honored With Distinguished Music Educator Award
Music teacher Joan Slawson at Saturn Elementary School in Brevard County has been selected to receive the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award and will participate in the Yale Symposium on Music in Schools. Slawson was chosen from among 330 educators nominated nationwide for the award and won an all-expense paid Symposium in June 2011.

Orange County Principal Honored With Two Awards
Timber Creek High School principal John Wright has been named the 2011 Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Student Councils (FASC) and the 2011 Administrator of the Year by the Florida State Thespian Board of Directors. The FASC recognized Wright for his efforts integrating co-curricular activities on campus, and the Florida Thespian Board of Directors honored him for making the arts and theatre a vital part of the school. Wright has been principal of Timber Creek since it opened 10 years ago.

Seminole County School Earns National Recognition
Crooms Academy of Information Technology in Seminole County is one of nine career academies to be named a Distinguished Academy by the National Academy Foundation (NAF). The school conducted a self-assessment process to measure the academy’s strengths and challenges implementing NAF’s results-driven model and standards. The designation is awarded to select schools that have exhibited fidelity to an educational model that prepares students for success in college, work and life.

Brevard Team Headed to National Science Bowl
After winning the Southeastern Regional Middle School Science Bowl in Feb. 2011, students from Brevard County’s Ronald McNair Magnet School will represent Florida and Southern Georgia at the National Middle School Science Bowl April 29 – May 2, 2011, in Washington, D.C. This the third time a McNair Magnet team has won the regional competition and the second time they will compete at the national level. They won the national title in 2004.

Branching Out

Sun ‘n’ Fun Aerospace Educators’ Workshops
April 2, 2011
Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport
Lakeland, Fla.

Educators of all subjects are invited to attend the Sun ‘n’ Fun Aerospace Educators’ Workshop on April 2, 2011, at the Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport. A variety of concurrent sessions will be offered by aerospace experts from NASA, Civil Air Patrol, Federal Aviation Administration, Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and USA Today as well as aviation teachers and professors on integrating aviation into the curriculum. The $20 registration fee includes lunch, tote bag, teaching materials and entrance to the Sun ‘n’ Fun Fly-In featuring the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. To register, contact Barbara Walters-Phillips at flypatbarb@aol.com or call (407) 497-1236.

National Poem in Your Pocket Day
April 14, 2011

April is National Poetry Month and the Academy of American Poets is encouraging everyone to select a poem you love and carry it with you to share on April 14, 2011. National Poem in Your Pocket Day seeks to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. For ideas on how to commemorate the occasion, visit http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406.

University of Central Florida Book Festival
April 16, 2011
UCF Arena
Orlando, Fla.

The Second Annual University of Central Florida (UCF) Book Festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on April 16, 2011, at the UCF Arena and will showcase 60 renowned authors, exhibitors, free book appraisals, children’s and teen’s activities and more. Keynote authors include New York Times best selling author Maxine Paetro, co-author with James Patterson on the Women’s Murder Club series; Florida Senator Bob Graham; syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr.; and Col. Joe Kittinger. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please visit www.bookfestival.ucf.edu or call (407) 823-2835.

2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Virtual Career Fair
April 27, 2011

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 27th for the 2nd Annual STEM Virtual Career Fair, a FREE one-day event open to all Florida middle and high school students to learn directly from featured speakers about what it takes to be successful in STEM-related careers. Various speakers will be presenting throughout the day, including a cancer research scientist, marine biologist, nurse anesthetist, and digital marketer, just to name a few. For more details, visit www.fldoe.org/students. Any questions about the upcoming event can be directed to Hue Reynolds at Hue.Reynolds@fldoe.org or (850) 245-9670.

Florida Association for Staff Development Spring Forum
May 2 – 3, 2011
Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront
Melbourne, Fla.

Education personnel are invited to attend the Florida Association for Staff Development Spring Forum May 2 – 3, 2011, in Melbourne, Fla. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of learning experiences related to improved professional development that supports student achievement. For more information, visit www.fasdonline.org.

2011 Florida Literacy Conference
May 4 – 6, 2011
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Lake Mary, Fla.

Educators from across the state are invited to attend the 27th Annual Florida Literacy Conference May 4 – 6, 2011, hosted by the Florida Literacy Coalition. The conference includes more than 75 general and concurrent sessions, and features keynote speakers Pat Williams from the Orlando Magic and literacy pioneer and Presidential Medal of Honor recipient Ruth Colvin. For more information, visit http://www.floridaliteracy.org/floridaliteracyconference.html.

International Reading Association Convention
May 8 – 11, 2011
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Fla.

The International Reading Association will host its 2011 Convention in Orlando May 8 – 11, 2011, with the theme “The Power of Literacy.” The conference includes numerous workshops, symposia and concurrent sessions, and features former NFL coach Tony Dungy and actress Goldie Hawn. Conference participants who register by March 11, 2011, will automatically be entered to win two free roundtrip domestic airline tickets to Orlando for the conference. For complete conference details, including how to register for free airfare, visit http://www.iraconvention.org/.

Engineering Technology Summer Institute
June 15 – 17, 2011
St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus
Clearwater, Fla.

FLATE, the National Science Foundation Center of Excellence for high-tech manufacturing, is hosting an Engineering Technology Summer Institute June 15 – 17, 2011, at the Clearwater Campus of St. Petersburg College. The two-day professional development opportunity will focus on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and 3D modeling and design, as well as sessions on student recruitment and retention. The Institute is open to all full-time faculty in secondary or postsecondary public institutions who teach engineering technology, engineering, or related courses in Florida. There is no charge for the Institute and a $250 stipend may be available to eligible participants. The deadline to submit an application is May 1, 2011. For more information, visit www.fl-ate.org or contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org or (813) 259-6578 or Brad Jenkins at jenkinsb@spcollege.edu.

Florida Alliance for Arts Education Leadership Summit
June 16 – 18, 2011
Sonesta Hotel
Orlando, Fla.

The Florida Alliance for Arts Education will host its annual Leadership Summit June 16 – 18, 2011, in Orlando with the theme, “Arts Education is 21st Century Education.” The summit features breakout sessions by and for educators, administrators and advocates, the Arts Achieve! Model Schools Recognition, the Digital Media Festival Exhibit and much more. For more information, visit www.faae.org or contact Susan Burke, Executive Director of FAAE, at (407) 488-9951 or susan@faae.org.

National Agriculture in the Classroom Annual Conference
June 22 – 25, 2011
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Language arts, math, nutrition, social studies and science teachers will benefit from the 2011 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference June 22 – 25, 2011, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Engaging interactive workshops and tours will showcase unique agricultural operations in South Florida and illustrate how educators can incorporate real-life agriculture applications into their lesson plans. Visit http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aitc/ for more information and conference registration.

National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar
June 26 – July 29, 2011

Educators are invited to apply to attend the Summer Seminar offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities June 26 – July 29, 2011. During the five-week program, participants will study the economy of the North Sea region in northwestern Europe. The seminar will meet at the Institute for Historical Research at the University of London for the first week and at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, for the remaining four weeks. For an application and a full description of the seminar, visit http://www.umassd.edu/euro/neh_prosp_app.cfm.

Florida Distance Learning Association Annual Conference
Sept. 23 – 24, 2011
Nova Southeastern University Orlando Campus
Orlando, Fla.

The Florida Distance Learning Association will host its annual conference at the Orlando campus of Nova Southeastern University Sept. 23 - 24, 2011, with the theme “Distance Learning: Best Practices and Beyond.” The conference seeks to raise awareness of the best practices in distance learning, promote greater participation in dialogue and exchange, and strengthen district education in the state and nation. For more information or to register, visit www.fdla.com or contact Conference Program Coordinator Tara Kobel at tleconsultants@aol.com.

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