Is your teaching certificate expiring June 30, 2023? If so it’s time to look at your credit bank in MyPGS. Not sure how to view your in-service/ESE credits to renew? You may find this clicksheet useful
Feel free to access professional learning opportunities through our weekly PL Announcement email. Additionally, you can search for professional learning opportunities in MyPGS (click sheet). Our Professional Learning website is also updated regularly with opportunities.
--Reading Requirements (this requirement is separate from Reading Endorsement) for Certification effective for 2020 and after (House Bill 7069)
HB 7069 includes specific in-service requirements for renewal of a professional certificate. Beginning with a validity date of July 1, 2020, or thereafter, Educators who hold certification in an area that includes reading instruction or intervention for any students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 6, will be required to earn a minimum of two college credits or the equivalent of 40 in-service points in the use of explicit, systematic and sequential approaches to reading instruction, developing phonemic awareness, and implementing multisensory intervention strategies. Here is a Flyer with more information.
Options for the 40-hour that are currently offered
Option 1: : The BESE Portal offers two free independent study courses:
- Reading Difficulties, Disabilities and Dyslexia (20 hours)
- Structured Literacy through a Multi-Sensory Approach (20 hours)
To enroll in one of the BESE Portal courses:
- Go to: www.fl-pda.org.
- Under the Independent Study Courses heading, click Sign In.
- Click on Register as a New User if it is your first time on the site. If you are returning to this site to get back into a course, type in your email username and password.
- Click on a course title to expand the course to view the description, enroll or continue in a course, and to check your status.
- Upon completion of all required coursework, send your Certificate of Completion to Wanda Conley in the Professional Learning office for your in-service to be awarded in MyPGS.
Step by step, visual directions for registering and enrolling into these courses can be found HERE.
Option 2: RDGESECR PDA Exploring Structured Literacy Online Course (40 ESE Hours) Free and offered multiple times throughout the school year.
Option 3: Beacon Educator Professional Learning Options
- Reading Challenges 1: Dyslexia and More (SWD) (20 hours) These courses require payment by participant
- Reading Challenges 2: Structured Literacy (20 hours) These courses require payment by participant
Option 4: To search for professional learning sessions, which you are part of the identified target audience, that count towards this 40 -hour requirement, type in RDGESECR in the course title box in MyPGS. You will then see a list of sessions that you can register for that count towards the 40 hours of reading (which also count towards ESE) in-service points.
Additional courses will be announced throughout the year.
If you have questions. please contact Robin King, Certification Specialist: Teacher-Certification@volusia.k12.fl.us
Happy spring! I hope this note finds you healthy and well.
The Poverty and Homeless Conference is a national conference focused on promoting equity, inclusion, and educational excellence for low-income Prek-12 students and families, and diverse communities. This community-engaged, national conference brings together school leaders, educators, counselors, social workers, media specialists, youth-support staff, nonprofit organizations, congressional staff, faith groups, community leaders, and advocates.
The Poverty and Homeless Conference will return to being in person this year (yay!) at Stetson University on June 20, 2023. For all of the conference, information click HERE for the flyer.
*Registration is now open and filling up quickly. Note: There is an option for schools/departments/organizations to register as a group or team. Participants may also register individually.
Additionally, some exciting news…
For Volusia County School (VCS) staff members, the conference registration fee is currently (for a limited time; on a first come, first-serve basis) being waived due to a set amount of scholarships in place. Therefore, VCS schools and departments (administrators/faculty/staff) are encouraged to register for the PHC as soon as possible to benefit from this wonderful opportunity.
We are looking forward to another memorable and impactful conference. Let us work together to build equitable, inclusive, and healthier schools and communities.
THANK YOU for your commitment to supporting children and youth, as well as the PHC.
We hope to see you on June 20th at the conference!
With gratitude,
Rajni
Rajni Shankar-Brown, Ph.D.
Professor and the Jessie Ball duPont Distinguished Chair of Social Justice Education, Stetson University
President, National Coalition for the Homeless Board
Founder and Executive Director, Institute for Catalyzing Equity, Justice, and Social Change
Policy Advisor and Eco-Justice Advocate, U.S. Governmental Agencies and the United Nations
Co-Chair of Equity & Justice SIG, International Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education
Co-Director, Acts of Kindness and Justice
Email: rshankar@stetson.edu
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
Volusia LEARNS! 2023 REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Please note that the programs have been updated with session locations/room numbers. See the programs below for all room locations! ALL VCS STAFF MUST WEAR THEIR SCHOOL or DISTRICT ID BADGE FOR ENTRY.
View the Program for ALL Sessions Here à ALL Sessions Volusia LEARNS! 2023 Program.docx
· Elementary Program: Elementary Volusia LEARNS! 2023 Program.docx
· Middle School Program: Middle School Volusia LEARNS! 2023 Program.docx
· High School Program: High School Volusia LEARNS! 2023 Program.docx
To stay connected and informed about the conference, we invite you to self-enroll in the Volusia LEARNS! informational Canvas site by clicking HERE where you will find programs for Elementary, Middle, High School, Administrators, and Clerical Staff. Additionally, you can sign up for text/app updates or scan the QR code below to receive updates on the program of sessions through our weekly Professional Learning announcements and Remind101--> Click HERE to sign up for text/app updates or scan the QR code below:
Please note that participation in Volusia LEARNS! is optional for teachers. Teacher payment for participation varies by session and is noted in the session description. *NOTE: Only current VCS teachers are eligible for stipends.*
For any questions regarding a specific session, please contact the facilitator listed for that session on the agenda. For general inquiries about the conference, please contact Selina Jones in the Professional Learning Office.
DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE - SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Now offering a Florida state-approved bachelor’s program for full-time paraprofessionals in public schools!
Courses are offered online and in the evenings. Graduates earn a Bachelors in Exceptional Student Education and their full Reading and ESOL Endorsement. Click HERE to open the flyer.
The Tuition Support Programs for Exceptional Student Educators (ESE) provide financial support to ESE teachers earning an endorsement in autism, severe/profound, or prekindergarten disabilities; paraprofessionals earning a bachelor’s degree in special education; and educators earning a master’s degree in speech/language pathology. Upon completion of the program, recipients must fulfill a service obligation.
Prior to requesting tuition support, an applicant must enroll in a college or university of his or her choice. The applicant should follow the admission policy and course registration procedures for that institution. Upon successful completion of that institution’s registration process, an applicant may apply for the tuition support program.
For more information, click on this link:
We are excited that the VUE Support Staff contract has been ratified and approved. As part of the contract ratification, VCS support staff members are now eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Tuition Reimbursement Support staff shall be reimbursed for the cost of tuition for courses taken under the following terms and limits:
- The Board shall appropriate $60,000.00 for tuition reimbursement each for years 2021- 2022 and 2022-2023. Funding will cease on June 30, 2023. Subsequent years are conditioned upon the availability of funding.
- Tuition reimbursement shall only be available for one course (maximum of 3 hours) per year for each individual. This limit may be modified, at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or designee, if there are funds remaining in the account for the fiscal year, and all other requests have been considered.
- Requests for tuition reimbursement shall be submitted to the Superintendent or designee for approval in advance of the course. The procedure for application shall be established and published by the Superintendent or designee.
- Tuition reimbursement shall be limited to $350 per credit hour, not to exceed the actual cost of the credit hour, and shall be applied only to the cost of tuition.
- To be eligible for reimbursement, the course requested to be taken must be specific to the employee’s current assignment(s) and from a college or university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or another recognized accreditation agency. Other courses may be eligible only with prior approval of the Superintendent or designee.
- To be reimbursed for a course, an employee must earn a grade of B or better, as evidenced by an official transcript or a grade slip.
If you have taken a course that qualifies for tuition reimbursement during this 2022-2023 school year, please:
- complete the attached Support Staff Tuition Reimbursement application
- either scan it and send it electronically to Crystal Bradley cbradley@volusia.k12.fl.us or you can send the hard copy via interoffice mail to:
- Crystal Bradley, Office of Professional Learning
- DAC, Suite 117
In addition, if you have already completed your course, please include your transcript or grade slip to Crystal Bradley. Since funds are limited, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Crystal Bradley.
Florida K-12 educators can earn their Reading Endorsement for The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and Just Read, Florida! fund online professional development to help more than 1,100 certified public educators earn their Reading Endorsement and improve their reading instruction skills.
Please view this pre-enrollment flyer for more information or click this LINK to register!
The Literacy Matrix is based on the science of reading and prepares educators to:
- effectively teach reading
- diagnose reading issues
- intervene appropriately using research-based strategies
Participants will demonstrate evidence of their learning and receive personalized feedback from expert literacy navigators.
- The Literacy Matrix is made up of eight online modules that can be completed within one year.
- Semester F (June 7-July 12) - Accelerated 5-week Course
- We will offer Competencies 1, 2, and 5 (part 1& part 2 ONLY)
- All assignments due: July 7
- Semester G (July 13-August 17) - Accelerated 5-week Course
- We will offer Competencies 1, 2, and 5 (part 1& part 2 ONLY)
- All assignments due: August 11
- Semester F (June 7-July 12) - Accelerated 5-week Course
We are happy to support educators in obtaining their Reading Endorsement. Email p.alfaro@coe.ufl.edu with questions or to provide more details about the Literacy Matrix.
For more information, visit bit.ly/Literacy-Matrix
Tammy Perez-Njezic, MA (she/her/hers)
Learning Services Specialist
UF | Lastinger Center for Learning, College of Education
http://lastingercenter.com
(352) 448-9450 (c)
The Volusia County Schools Professional Learning office has received approval to extend the opportunity to provide fee reimbursements to all eligible teachers for costs associated with meeting reading endorsement requirements. The following reading endorsement fees are eligible for reimbursement:
- $150 registration fee for successfully passing the Reading K-12 Subject Area exam
- $75 fee for adding the reading endorsement or certification to their professional certificate
You are eligible for reimbursement(s) if:
- the above fees were incurred anytime between March 13, 2020 to the present and you have not previously been reimbursed for these costs.
- a passing score is earned on the Reading K-12 Subject Area exam between now and June 30, 2023.
- Please note the registration fee to take the exam is the responsibility of each individual who chooses this option. The district will only reimburse after verification of a passing score is received.
- the reading endorsement or reading certification is added to your professional certificate between now and June 30, 2023.
If you believe you are eligible for the reading endorsement fee(s) reimbursement, please complete this form.
Stay in the Know with Reading Endorsement Updates
Click here to self-enroll in the VCS Reading Endorsement informational Canvas page so you can stay up-to-date with reading endorsement information. Questions? Contact Selina Jones at sajones@volusia.k12.fl.us.
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Do you need help preparing for the General Knowledge Exam? If so, VCS is offering subtest-specific virtual training sessions.Please see the attached flyer for registration details and MyPGS section numbers. If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Fuller (tnfuller@volusia.k12.fl.us).
This is just a reminder that The Test Camp, used by hundreds of teachers
to pass certification exams, is sponsored and available via this shortcut
... through the end of this year!
Passgate
https://TheTestCamp.com/FL-Volusia
Your passgate provides free 365-day, all-inclusive passes this semester
for you, your colleagues, pre-service teachers ... everyone you invite.
Training materials are online and accessible from any electronic device
Also found on the VCS HR Certification Department Resources page.
The Test Camp flyer!
The Learning Liaisons, the leaders in online FTCE Test Prep.
FTCE Boot Camps Flyer
FTCE Partner Flyer
Phillip Eddy, M.Ed. 1 Schedule a Meeting Click HERE
Cell (941) 780-33018 www.thelearningliaisons.com
Our online, self-paced test prep bootcamps bring content, strategy, support, and RESULTS like no other resource on the market.
Our first-time pass rate is over 90%.
If you are not fully satisfied with your current FTCE testing results, contact me today.
ESOL Opportunities
Below you will find the online ESOL courses for the 2023-24 school year. If you are unsure of your category, you must contact HR certifications. For any questions, please feel free to contact Debbie Johnson at dejohns1@volusia.k12.fl.us or call her at 23040.
ONLINE ESOL COURSES FOR 2023-2024
COURSE TITLE |
DATE/ SESSION # |
ESOL CULTURE (60-hour) |
Session 1: July 3rd, 2023- Sept. 8th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104559 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: Jan.1st, 2024- March 8th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104560 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2023) |
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ESOL ASSESSMENT (60-hour) |
Session 1: July 3rd, 2023- Sept.8th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104561 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: Jan. 1st, 2024- March 8th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104562 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2023) |
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ESOL METHODS (60-hour) |
Session 1: Sept. 11th, 2023- Nov. 17th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104563 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: March 18th, 2024- May 24th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104564 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2023) |
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ESOL CURRICULUM and MATERIALS (60-hour) |
Session 1: Sept. 11th, 2023- Nov. 17th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104565 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: March 18th, 2024- May 24th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104566 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2023) |
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ESOL LANGUAGE and LITERACY (60-hour)
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Session 1: July 3rd, 2023- Sept. 8th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104567 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: Jan. 1st, 2024- March 8th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104568 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2022) |
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18-hour ESOL Theory and Practice
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Session 1: Sept. 11th, 2023- Nov. 17th, 2023 MYPGS #: 104569 (open for enrollment May 1, 2023) |
Session 2: March 18th, 2024- May 24th, 2024 MYPGS #: 104570 (open for enrollment Nov. 1st, 2022) |
- The courses are self-paced and open for 10 weeks. Each course is administered online through Canvas. Each course will take about 60 clock hours to complete.
- Sign up through MyPGS. Start dates indicate when the course will open on Canvas.
- Emails will be populated from Instructure directly to your district email, so please watch for both personal emails from me as well as automated emails from Instructure/Canvas.
- Courses starting on March 18, 2024, do not count for VSET ESOL credit requirements for 2023-2024 school year but will count for 2024-2025 school year.
- For questions relating to Online ESOL Courses please contact:
Debbie Johnson- ESOL Compliance Resource Teacher
386-734-7190 Ext. 23040
To see the state requirements for ESOL click on this flyer to view a simplified table.
The K-12 Mathematics Summer Institute is now open for registration. This institute is a special opportunity for mathematics educators. The institute is in partnership with Carnegie Learning and will be offering unique sessions facilitated by their trainers.
For more information click HERE.
June Summer Institute at UNF The Invitational Summer Institute is at the heart of the National Writing Project’s philosophy of “teachers teaching teachers.” This five-day institute is designed to inspire and support K-12 teachers and district leaders in Northeast Florida to better their practice in offering engaging writing instruction to students. Workshops are led by both UNF faculty and practicing teachers. Participating teachers will earn professional development credits and become part of an on-going reading and writing community. Some participants may be eligible to become Teacher Consultants for their district. We will have coffee and a light breakfast each morning and a catered lunch with a keynote speaker on Friday. The cost is $75 for the entire week.
Featured in this institute are:
‣ Morning sessions focused on practical strategies
for engaging writing instruction
‣ Opportunities to develop your voice as a writer
‣ Afternoon breakout workshops for primary and
secondary teachers
‣ A session dedicated to preparation for FSA
writing, including a K-2 group.
When: June 19 - June 23, 2023
Time: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am -1:00 pm
Where: UNF Campus
For more information and to submit an
application visit: www.sevenbridgeswriting.com
Click here for a printable informational flyer.
Come see what teachers have called “the best professional development I’ve ever had!”
Visit webpage for more information. UCF Literacy Symposium - College of Community Innovation and Educa
The 2023 UCF Literacy Symposium theme is Literacy Principles for Deeper Learning. Contact us at LitSymposium@ucf.edu. I would love to hear from you! Share your stories with us, tell us what you think about the newsletter, and propose future topics and resources you are interested in here: LitSymposium@ucf.edu. Vicky Zygouris-Coe, Ph.D. Professor, Reading Education Founder & Organizer, UCF Literacy Symposium |
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Endorsements Tuition Support Program provides financial assistance to ESE teachers who are teaching students identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Severe/Profound or PreKindergarten/ESE (PreK/ESE) in Florida public schools. The purpose of the project is to increase the State’s capacity to prepare and retain highly qualified personnel that provide instructional services to children with disabilities. Funding is provided by Public Law 108-446, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), Part B, Section 611, CFDA # 84.027.
In order to be accepted into this program, the applicant must have a Florida Educator Certificate in Exceptional Student Education, be currently employed in a Florida public school, and teach students identified as ASD, Severe/Profound, or PreK/ESE. Program recipients must agree to teach students identified as ASD, Severe/Profound, or PreK/ESE in a Florida public school for a minimum of one year for every six hours of tuition support received. The endorsement requires up to 12 credits of coursework. The program provides up to $1,400 per course for tuition support.
Attached is a spreadsheet that reflects the teachers and their school placement in your county that participated in the ESE Endorsements Tuition Support Program since Fall 2016 and their endorsement status. If you refer to the bottom of the spreadsheet, you will see the county names listed on individual sheets in the workbook.
The Legend for the Status column is described below:
A = Active (Currently enrolled in courses)
C = Completed (Completed the coursework for the endorsements)
SO = Service Obligation Completed (Has added the endorsement and worked with students identified as ASD, PreK/ESE, or Severe/Profound for the time period required by the amount of their tuition support).
The following is a brief description of the program. If you would like to review the website for additional information or share the information, the link is as follows:
http://florida-ese.org/tuition-support
Thank you,
Melanie Morales, Associate Teaching Professor
Special Education Undergraduate Program Leader
Project Director, ESE Endorsements Tuition Support Program
School of Education and Human Development
11200 SW 8th Street, ZEB 340B
Eugenia Romero, College of Arts, Sciences & Education Graduate Assistant
Florida International University
ESE Tuition Support Program
11200 SW 8th St, ZEB 349A
Miami, FL 33199
email: esesupport@fiu.edu
fax: 3053482086
ESESummerSTARTSTrainingRegistrationFlyer52423.pdf
This professional learning will share essential information, procedures, compliance, and curriculum related to Exceptional Student Education for new-to-ESE-in-Volusia teachers as they prepare for the 2023-2024 SY. STARTS training is for a specifically targeted audience of educators. This training is optional, but attendance is strongly recommended to support these ESE teaching positions. Important Note: This training is for all new-to-ESE-in-Volusia, except Itinerant Speech/Language Clinicians, Teachers of the Deaf or Hearing Impaired, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired.
What: Training focused on ESE Program
Who?: New-to-ESE-in-Volusia Teachers (new ESE hires and current employees moving into an ESE teaching position that is new to them) Curriculum, and Compliance
When: Monday July 24th , through Thursday, July 27th
Time: 8:30am to 3:30pm (includes a 1-hour lunch break each day)
Location: Willie Miller Instructional Center @ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Registration: Teachers who qualify to attend simply need to click to register (link and QR code also found on flyer)-no additional paperwork needed.
Note: Registration is not found in MyPGS; participants will register by completing a SurveyMonkey survey.
In-Service: Earn up to 12 Hours of ESE in-service
Questions? Email Melissa Bisesi, FDLRS Learning Resource Specialist.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement is strongly encouraged for teachers of ASD Units. This free 240-hour ESE Add-On Endorsement includes courses and field experiences running from August 2023 through May 2024. (see flyer attached for specific dates & details) Weekly attendance in each course is required. Interested educators can apply to participate by completing this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ASD23-24. (Not found in MyPGS) Applications are due by 8/4/2022. The detailed flyer attached shares specific course information for the 2023-2024 cohort. Priority enrollment in the cohort will be given to educators in ASD Units, ESE teachers, and then will also be extended to other interested educators across the district as seats are available. Questions? Email Melissa Bisesi, FDLRS Learning Resource Specialist. |
Learning Ally Presents Spotlight on Dyslexia
Your complimentary ticket is waiting! Learning Ally presents Spotlight on Dyslexia a virtual opportunity to learn and network with leading experts and education advocates as we explore the most up-to-date research findings and proven teaching strategies that positively impact daily practice and student outcomes. The Live Event Dates are June 7-8, 2023. If you cannot attend live, no need to worry because your registration will give you on-demand access to the recording of the event through December 2023. To register for your complimentary ticket, go to the Registration for Spotlight Learning Series: Spotlight on Dyslexia web page and use code SPOD23FL
LRP Media Courses offered FREE through FDOE provide evidence-based best practices, case law and compliance guidance to help serve and instruct students with disabilities.
Earn ESE Credit while becoming a more compliant educator for students with disabilities. Access & complete courses online following directions below. (NOT in MYPGS)
Send your Certificate of Completion to Melissa Bisesi or Jackie Dwyer for processing of in-service points in MyPGS.
Questions? Please contact Melissa Bisesi
Available Courses:
· Identifying Disabilities to Determine IDEA Eligibility
· Child Find: Understanding IDEA Provisions & Responsibilities
· Postsecondary Transition: IDEA Requirements for Processes, Procedures, and Implementation
· Required Components for Compliant IEPs
· Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): What Teachers Need to Know
· Independent Educational Evaluations: Responsibilities & Procedures
· Conducting Compliant IEP Team Meetings
· Evaluations & Reevaluations – Purposes, Standards, & Procedures
· Legal Requirements & Best Practices for Prior Written Notice
· Practical Strategies & IDEA Requirements for Developing IEPs
· When to Review & How to Revise IEPs to Stay Compliant
· IEP Implementation Strategies to be IDEA Compliant
· Requirements & Strategies to Facilitate Parental Participation in IEPs
· Discipline & Placement Changes for Students w/ Disabilities who Exhibit Violent Behavior
· Eligibility & Development of a Student’s Extended School Year Services
· Early Intervention Services: Facilitating Transition from IDEA Part C to Part B
· Collaboration & Communication: Guidelines & Strategies for Paraprofessional Participation in Instructional Teams
In order to access the LRP courses, please follow the instructions below to create an account on the DirectSTEP® eLearning website:
- Go to HTTP://FLDOE2022-DS.LRP.COM.
- Please read the “Is This Your First Time Here?” section located on the right side of the screen.
- Click the “Create new account” button.
- Create a username (Recommended format: John Sample = jsample).
- Create a password (Recommended format : J#sample1)
Please write down your username and password and keep it somewhere secure for future reference.
This information will NOT be emailed to you after you register. - Enter your email address as well as first and last name.
- Enter the letters/numbers pictured in the reCAPTCHA image.
- Click the “Create my new account” button.
- You will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to the website.
To take a DirectSTEP® eLearning course:
- Login to HTTP://FLDOE2022-DS.LRP.COM using your username and password.
- Select the course you would like to access or have been assigned to complete.
- You will enter your enrollment key and click onto “Enroll Me”.
- Click the course link next to the icon of a gold box.
- Click the “Enter” button to begin taking the course.
- You can use the arrow icons to move through the slides in the lower left-hand corner of the slide player.
- When you reach the Final Assessment, you will need to click the “submit” button after you select an answer. You will be directed to a new window which will inform you whether or not you answered each question correctly. You will need to score an 80% or higher to pass.
- When you have completed the assessment, it is important that you click the “Exit Activity” link in the upper right-hand corner of your screen to get credit for completing the course and to record your grade.
- Your “Course Completion Certificate” link will now be active. If you are required to print a Completion Certificate, you may do so from this page.
- To save your certificate as a PDF, click print and then select “adobe pdf” as your printer. This will open a dialogue box for you to select the location and name of the file you are saving. Please name your file – “last name, first name – name of course”
The Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Student Education (BESE) Portal to Professional Development Alternatives (PDA) offers a variety of FREE online courses for Florida educators that will increase their ability to respond to the needs of students with disabilities. There are a wide variety of online, self-paced independent courses available for ESECR credit upon submission of your Certificate of Completion to the Professional Learning. These courses are ALWAYS available online.
Independent study courses are available in a variety of topics listed below, ranging from non-credit to 20 in-service credits.
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Behavior & Classroom Management
- Curriculum & Instruction
- ESE Policies & Procedures
- Instructional Methodology
- Language and Communication
- Pre-Kindergarten
- Secondary Transition
- Special Areas
- Subject Area Exam Preparation
Two new courses are:
Collaborative Teaching Partnerships (15 ESE Hours)
Emotional/Behavioral Disability: An Introduction (8 ESE Hours)
To enroll in any of these courses:
-
Go to: www.fl-pda.org
- Under the Independent Study Courses heading, click Sign In.
- Click on Register as a New User if it is your first time on the site. If you are returning to this site to get back into a course, type in your email username and password.
- Click on a course title to expand the course to view the description, enroll or continue in a course, and to check your status.
- Upon completion of all required coursework, send your Certificate of Completion to Wanda Conley in the Professional Learning office for your in-service to be awarded in MyPGS.
Questions, please contact Melissa Bisesi
We are excited to announce Project ABA, a new Personnel Preparation Grant in UCF’s School of Teacher Education that offers the opportunity to financially support graduate students for 36 credit hours in Exceptional Student Education and/or Early Childhood Development and Education while pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
We are seeking to recruit teachers, behavior analysts, and other paraprofessionals within Exceptional Student Education in Orlando and the surrounding counties that are interested in pursuing a Masters' Degree at UCF. If you wouldn't mind passing along this information, along with the flyer, to teachers, faculty, and staff that might be interested in this program, this could be an excellent opportunity for ESE teachers and paraprofessionals to gain valuable education, experience, and personnel preparation. We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester and hope to receive applications from interested ESE professionals.
Please Click HERE for the flyer on this exciting opportunity!
Best regards,
Jacqueline Towson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Kelly Schaffer, Ph.D., BCBA-D
University of South Florida offers a Masters’ program in Reading that is completely online. Online teaching means you will not need to travel to Tampa. Note that Florida residents qualify for lower, instate tuition. Following is a list of the MA courses that are being offered during the Summer 2023 semester. Each would make a good starting point.
RED 6449 Literacy and Technology T 5-8pm online (Summer A: May 15 – June 23)
RED 6656 Literature for a Diverse Society W 5-8pm online (Summer A: May 15 – June 23)
Both of these courses are part of the MA in Reading at USF. New students may take them as “non-degree seeking” students, and then apply them to Programs of Study when admitted.
Masters in Reading program descriptions are included in the attached brochure. Note: also on the Literacy Studies brochure are other certification options, directed toward specific applications of literacy.
The USF-County Reading Academy: Masters in Reading Cohorts
If you have questions about the program, or how to apply, please contact our program coordinator directly at:
James R. King
813 494 4535
Sincerely,
Lili Coleman on behalf of Dr. James King
College of Education
Department of Language, Literacy, Ed.D., Exceptional Education, and Physical Education
My name is Tiffany Latshaw, and I am the admission’s director for The University of West Florida’s TeacherReady program. The TeacherReady program was founded in 2005 and we have helped over 5,000 teachers across the U.S. and around the globe earn their Florida Professional Teaching Certificate.
Our graduate-level certification program is nationally and regionally accredited to provide our students with a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate and Reading Endorsement in about a year. TeacherReady’s goal is to give our students the skills to be highly effective. We are focused on quality and here are a few proven measures:
- 96% of surveyed employers say that our teachers make a positive impact on student learning
- 92% of program candidates complete the program
- 80% of program graduates continue teaching after 3 years
TeacherReady prepares students for the classroom through online instruction and a an in-person student teaching experience with an accomplished mentor. These field hours are job embedded for non-certified teachers, para-educators, and long-term substitutes.
We would love to be an option to help with your certification needs. I am attaching a one-pager that you can share with those needing certification in your school/district. If you’d like more information, please feel free to fill out a brief questionnaire located here and I will reconnect with you on how we can serve your teachers.
I look forward to speaking with you!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Latshaw, M.Ed
Admissions Associate, Education
350 West Cedar Street
Suite 200
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Office 850-898-3949
Pronouns: She/Her
tlatshaw@hcg.com
www.huronconsultinggroup.com
We wanted you to know that we just added another section of EDF4603 Critical Issues of Classroom Management, Ethics, and Law. Any teachers on temporary certificate who need their coursework for certification, contact Amy Ringue at Amy.Ringue@daytonastate.edu. The other courses we are offering include:
Fully online:
- RED3012 Principles of Reading (covers competencies 1 & 2)
- EDG4323 Professional Teaching Practices
- EDF3214 Child and Adolescent Development and Growth
- TSL3080 ESOL Issues and Strategies I
Hybrid evening:
- EDF4430 Classroom Assessment
Of course, we have online courses for the Reading Endorsement and ESE recertification, too, if needed.
Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
Amy Ringue
Florida International University was recently awarded $1.25 million from the USDOE Office of Special Education Programs for Project ASPIRE (Autism Specialization Preparation for Inclusive, Responsive Educators). This project will provide full tuition support to teachers to receive a 36-credit master’s degree in special education. ASPIRE is designed to prepare special educators to work with students with autism from culturally and linguistically diverse background. Specialized training will be provided on using evidence-based practices and tiered supports within the context of a culturally responsive curriculum. All classes will be held virtually. Students who complete the program will be eligible to add the Florida Autism Endorsement to their teaching certificate. Five cohorts of nine teachers each will be supported. Recruitment is currently underway for Cohort 1 who will begin in August 2023. Please check out the flyer. If you or they have any questions, please contact fiuaspire@fiu.edu.
Best wishes,
Enzo Everett
Grant Assistant, Project ASPIRE
Department of Teaching and Learning
Florida International University
Synchronous Remote Delivery
All courses and the three semester school-based internships are delivered synchronously via Zoom to accommodate the busy schedules of working teachers who are outside of the FAU service area. Classes are offered Saturday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, a decision based on the same reason. The entire program is completed over six semesters, beginning in Spring 2023 and concluding in Fall 2024.
Completion of the degree,and passing the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE), leads to Florida Educational Leadership Certification (Level I), which qualifies an individual to serve as an assistant principal in public, charter, alternative, or independent schools.
Attached you will find our recruitment flyer , a copy of our admissions handout, and a program overview. I would be pleased to discuss the program at greater length with you at your convenience, and would be most appreciative if you could consider sharing these materials with your school administrators and faculty. I am the direct contact for anyone interested in discussing the program requirements and expectations, and I’d be happy to schedule an information session via Zoom if desired.
Yours sincerely,
John Hardman, PhD
Senior Instructor
Coordinator, IDEAL Program
Student Advisor, ACE Program
Check out the flyers below:
Mark Kaczmarek, MBA
University Development Counselor
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-247-4570 Phone
866-772-3577 Fax
http://www.gcu.edu/ec/mark.kaczmarek
We are pleased to offer the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Elementary Alternative Program and Secondary Alternative Program for Florida educators. NLU has worked with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to develop a program that will meet the state’s requirements for teachers in Florida public schools who do not hold a Professional Educator Certification. FLDOE requires such teachers to complete specific requirements through an approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI), which is embedded in the MAT Alternative Program at the elementary and secondary levels. Over the course of 15 months, or five 10-week terms, candidates will earn 1) the MAT degree, 2) the Florida Professional Educator Certification based on documentation of EPI completion, 3) the FLDOE required Reading Endorsement, 4) three semester hours (equivalent to 60 in-service points) toward the FLDOE ESOL requirement, and 5) three semester hours (equivalent to 60 in-service points) that meet the FLDOE requirement in Students with Disabilities mandated for all educators in Florida public schools. This is a Florida DOE approved program.
The attached flyer has information for teachers who have a temporary certificate and would benefit from this program. We will begin the program in July 2023.
Five Reasons to Earn a MAT with NLU:
• Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT) in Elementary or Secondary Education
• Earn your Florida Professional Educator Certificate through the Florida Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) embedded in the program
• Earn your Florida Reading Endorsement
• Make Progress toward the Florida ESOL Requirement (earn 60 in-service hours)
• Meets Florida SWD Requirements
Let me know if have any questions.
Thank you
Middalia Carpio
National Louis University
Outreach Development Specialist
Office-407-381-3313
Mobile-407-968-5460
mcarpio@nl.edu
calendly.com/mcarpio-1
A referral is the highest form of compliment: www.nl.edu/referral
Happy Summer Greetings to you!
As the 2022-2023 school year comes to an end, we are already jumping into June and summer savings! I’m sure you’ll agree this past year flew by. Hopefully, you’ll get a well-deserved little vacay this summer before we head into the next school year. I think we can all use one!
June is special because we’re offering the lowest prices of the year with our flex courses discounted to $99 per course, or $271 per course with graduate credit! The best part is that in addition to the tremendous savings, your teachers save even more when using the district discount code “newsd” at checkout. They’ll save an EXTRA 10%! Just in time for summer, when teachers have more time to work on their professional development, and when we’ve added some new, exciting courses to our catalog. Its also a great time for teachers to focus on self-care with our one-unit Self-Care Check-in: Guiding Teachers to Wellness course. Here are some other new and exciting courses.
· Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies for All Learners (Grades PreK-6)
· Responding to Students’ Mental Health Challenges with SEL (Grades 6-12)
· Reading and Writing Strategies for Students with Special Needs (K-5)
· Using SEL and Intentional Read-Alouds to Promote DEI (Grades PreK-2)
Be sure to visit our site to view our entire course catalog by clicking here. Don’t forget about our blog! Be sure to check it out and share the resources with teachers. As always, if I can be of any help or answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your trust in us. Feel free to send teachers our way with questions as well. We’re here to help!
**Below is the promotional email that may be forwarded to teachers. When sending to teachers, be sure to remind them to use the special discount code assigned to your district. If you prefer that I send the promotional email in a separate email or as an attachment, please let me know.
Thanks!
Caryn
Caryn Chavez, M.S.
Vice President of Marketing and Outreach
Professional Development Institute
www.webteaching.com
949-263-4931