January 2024 Newsletter

The David C. Anchin Center hopes everyone had a restful holiday season and that they feel excited for a wonderful start to the 2024 New Year. Upon reflection, 2023 was a turning point in many ways as we moved away from the pandemic years and came together for professional development at trainings and conferences. We continued to use online communication platforms, but it felt good to be in the same room learning with other educators.

Looking forward, both the Anchin Center and the College of Education are dedicated to serving the Tampa Bay area so that education continues to spark innovation and success in our communities. In this newsletter, we are delighted to share some of the latest news from the Center, training opportunities, and available resources.

The Anchin Center welcomes to our team Justice Palavra, Associate Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Program, and Xiomara (Zee) Enamorado, Business and Fiscal Analyst. We are excited to have their expertise. Justice and Zee will be major hubs in our expanding network.

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and find it helpful and informative. We also hope you share it with your colleagues and peers interested in advancing teacher and leader development in education.

Please join us for the Anchin Center 5K for K12 during Teacher Appreciation Week on May 11, 2024, supporting the teachers and leaders who dedicate their lives to students and families.

Sincerely,

David Scanga, Ed.D.

Director and Endowed Chair of Education Innovation

• Fall Professional Learning Highlights
• Thank A Teacher Thursday
• Register now for our 2nd Annual 5K for K-12
• Introducing Xiomara (Zee) Enamorado, Business and Fiscal Analyst
• Introducing Justice Palavra, Associate Director of Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Program
• Make a gift to the Anchin Center
• SCATT Updates
• Tutor-A-Bull Program Information
• Spring Professional Learning Preview
• What We're Reading and Watching

The David C. Anchin Center hosted an inspiring gathering of some of Florida's finest educators on September 9, 2023. The occasion, titled "Celebrating Excellence: Professional Learning with Florida Teachers of the Year," brought together USF students, practicing teachers, and five State and District Teachers of the Year. The distinguished panel of educators included Laura Meeham, the Hillsborough 2022 District Teacher of the Year, Nicolette Barone, the Hillsborough 2024 District Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Jaso, the Sarasota 2023 District Teacher of the Year, Adam Zele, the Pinellas 2024 District Teacher of the Year, and Sarah Painter, the Florida 2022 Teacher of the Year.

The event was a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in a meaningful dialogue with fellow teachers and some of the most accomplished educators in the state. The Teachers of the Year shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they have overcome and the triumphs they have celebrated throughout their careers. They also emphasized the importance of a positive outlook on the teaching profession and its profound impact on the lives of students. Read more...

The Math by the Bay Summit was held on September 19, 2023, in TECO Hall at the College of Education University of South Florida. Dr. Sarah van Ingen Lauer and Dr. David Allsopp facilitated school district teams from Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hernando, Polk, and Manatee in a deep discussion related to the challenges and solutions of helping all students achieve in mathematics.

District leaders showed appreciation for the time spent together sharing thoughts and ideas. One participant wrote, “It was eye-opening that it seems all school districts are struggling with very similar issues. It gives me hope that collectively we can find solutions.” Read more...

Banned Books Week was established in 1982 in response to the increase of challenges to books on shelves throughout our communities. The banning and challenging of books is still an obstacle for educators and families today.

During Banned Books Week, the David C. Anchin Center hosted a webinar moderated by Dr. Janet Outlaw and Dr. Lindsay Persohn of the USF Literacy Studies program and hosted guest panelists, Dr. Tiffany A. Flowers and Dr. Angela Wiseman. The webinar provided students, teachers, professors, and community members with current statistics and information regarding book challenges and banning. Participants engaged in dialogue on ways to combat censorship and continue to cultivate a love of reading and a celebration of diverse voices in classrooms.

Please visit this link for resources to combat censorship and support the freedom to read in classrooms and watch the webinar below. Read more...

On Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Education, in partnership with the USF Literacy Studies Program, hosted a thought-provoking research talk by Dr. Amélie Lemieux. The event, held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in TECO Hall, brought together USF College of Education faculty, USF students, and K-12 teachers and leaders eager to delve into the intriguing world of adolescents' use of social media in a post-COVID era.

Dr. Lemieux, an Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Education, captivated the audience as she unveiled initial findings from her "Instapoetry" project. The research project sought to explore how adolescents engage with social media platforms, specifically Instagram, to express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity through the art of poetry. Read more...

In a bid to foster student-centered learning environments, K-12 teachers gathered for a transformative workshop titled "Sage on the Side: Methods and Practices for Teachers that Bring Students to the Center." Held at TECO Hall in the David C. Anchin Centr at the USF College of Education, the workshop spanned two sessions on Monday, October 30, 2023, and Thursday, November 9, 2023.

Facilitated by Dr. Don Baeszler, the workshop focused on the "Sage on the Side" teaching method, an approach that positions the teacher as a guide rather than a lecturer, emphasizing student mastery of the curriculum. The goal is to shift the classroom dynamic, placing students at the forefront of their learning journey with teachers serving as resident experts and facilitators. Read more...

In efforts to honor teachers in our community who have had a lasting positive impact on students, the David C. Anchin Center is launching a social media series, Thank-A-Teacher-Thursday. Each Thursday, we will feature short videos of people thanking a teacher and briefly talking about the impact that teacher had on them. We are excited to highlight a variety of educators from all across the country to increase positivity around teachers and express our thanks for the invaluable work they do.

Please fill out the online form linked here if you are interested in thanking a teacher as part of this important series.

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual 5K for K-12! Join us this year as part of your celebrations for Teacher Appreciation Week! Click here to register now.

The 5K will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 and will draw an anticipated crowd of 500-600 Tampa Bay area teachers, students, community members, and education advocates.

The David C. Anchin Center provides professional development in support of teachers working towards restructuring schools in ways that improve the quality of education. All proceeds from the 5K for K-12 will go towards offering free professional development opportunities for practicing K-12 teachers and administrators!

This race has been certified as an official 5K. The run/walk will begin at 8:00am; the 1 mile fun run will begin at 8:30am.

Come run through the beautiful Tampa campus of the University of South Florida in support of teachers and education!

Ms. Xiomara Enamorado, also known as Zee, is the Fiscal & Business Analyst in the David C. Anchin Center. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Before becoming a part of the Anchin Center her journey began at the College of Art of Sciences at USF where she provided financial and administrative services and solutions to departments, centers & institutions, and community partners.

Before assuming her roles at USF, she committed herself to Pasco County Schools as a Buyer, displaying excellence in budget management, vendor relations, and compliance. Her contributions extended beyond transactions as she mentored students facing behavioral challenges at the secondary school level, helping them navigate academic and personal growth. Zee’s career also includes a role as an Office Manager, where she led a team of 40 associates and played a pivotal role facilitating support services and advocating for low-income families.

With a heart dedicated to enriching lives and a passion for education, she deeply aligned with the mission of the David C. Anchin Center, promising a lasting impact as she continues to blend financial acumen and genuine care for others. You can connect with Ms. Enamorado at xenamorado@usf.edu.

Ms. Justice Palavra is the Associate Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program. Palavra oversees the advancement of the MESA program in the Suncoast Area School Districts. The MESA program focuses on increasing underrepresented students' participation in STEM education and career pathways.

Palavra is passionate about providing equitable opportunities for students to innovate and pursue STEM education and career pathways. As a middle and high school science teacher and a district leader, she has worked closely with students, teachers, and parents to increase accessibility to STEM opportunities and learning for all students. She has been heavily involved in multicultural educational programming and mentoring, helping first-generation students acclimate and connect to resources to succeed when transitioning to college, and developing an understanding of their cultural identities and belonging.

Holding a Master’s Degree of Science in STEM Education, Palavra is currently working on her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education. A life-long learner, Justice will continue to advocate for equity, innovation, and STEM education. You can connect with Ms. Palavra at jthornton1@usf.edu.

Imagine a future where every classroom buzzes with the energy of innovation, where teachers are empowered to inspire young minds in new and profound ways. This vision is at the heart of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching, and it's supporters like you who bring this dream to life.

Every day, your generosity helps us provide groundbreaking professional development, cutting-edge resources, and research opportunities that shape the educators of tomorrow. But there's more we can do, and that's where we need your help.

Please consider adding your support to foster the next wave of educational excellence. By making a donation today, you join other supporters in creating a legacy of learning that will resonate for generations.

Together, we can ensure that every teacher has the tools to unlock their full potential and, in turn, ignite the limitless curiosity of their students. Thank you for considering a gift to the Anchin Center. Your contribution is more than a donation; it's an investment in a future where education knows no bounds.

The Suncoast Area Teacher Training (SCATT)/Leaders for Education program started the 2023-2024 academic year with a powerful and motivating kick-off meeting at the University of South Florida Tampa campus. College of Education students gathered to learn more about SCATT, an enrichment program aimed at equipping them with the skills and leadership qualities necessary to excel in the teaching profession.

The highlight of the event was a stirring speech by Mr. Rennex Franklin, a distinguished alumnus of both the USF College of Education and the SCATT program. Currently serving as the Supervisor of Elementary Counseling Services for Hillsborough County Public Schools, Mr. Franklin's address set the tone for an inspiring and purpose-driven academic year. Read more...

Tutor-A-Bull kicked off the 2023-2024 school year by giving College of Education students the opportunity to work within three local middle schools. These students spent over 400 hours working with students, supporting their academic growth, and learning from the skilled teachers in these school communities.

As we look forward to Spring, we hope to add additional tutors as well as another middle school to our program. We appreciate the support of these schools as well as the time and effort of our tutors!

If you are a College of Education student and would like more information or to be considered for a tutoring position, please contact Jessica Beagle at jbeagle@usf.edu.

Keep up to date with Anchin Center professional learning events by subscribing to our distribution list and following us on social media @USFAnchin. Information about events are shared on a rolling basis as events are finalized. If you have questions about professional learning opportunities at the Anchin Center or are interested in partnering with us, please email Dr. Rachel Hatten.

The Anchin Center hosts the third largest Advanced Placement Summer Institute in the world every year. Registration will be opening soon!

The Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Institute, is a College Board endorsed program that provides professional development to AP teachers. Through the Advanced Placement™ program, College Board provides a way for high school students to earn free college credits while taking high school courses. Taking Advanced Placement courses exposes students to college level coursework and begins preparing them to think more critically.

The AP Summer Institute provides teachers the opportunity to learn how to teach their course from College Board-approved consultants. These consultants are experts in their subject areas and work with College Board as AP readers, graders, and table leaders. Not only is this an opportunity to learn directly from College Board experts, but also from other instructors from all over the world! This 4-day intensive training is designed to enhance the AP teacher's skills, ability, and knowledge of their subject regardless of their experience level.

Hosted by the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Advanced Placement Summer Institute at the University of South Florida (USF) offers a unique learning experience for teachers who are interested in expanding their knowledge of AP course content, structure, and methodology. In addition, the workshops afford teachers the opportunity to interact with colleagues and to discuss issues and concerns surrounding the AP courses they will teach.

• Beyond Dichotomies in the Quest for Raciosemiotic Architecture: Black Immigrants in the United States by Dr. Patriann Smith

• 60 Second Strategy: Whiteboard Relay

• Discussing War and Conflict: Resources for Educators, Parents, and Caregivers
• How AI Could Save (not destroy) Education: TED Talk

The mission of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching is to collaborate with teachers, school leaders, districts, and other educators to improve the quality of education for students and to transform the teaching profession to attract, retain, and develop quality educators. We achieve this mission through partnerships with schools, the broader educational community, business and industry, and the community at large.

Email: AnchinCenter@usf.edu
Website: usf.edu/education/anchin
Location: 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, USA
Phone: 813-974-5959
Facebook: facebook.com/USFAnchin
Twitter: @USFAnchin