Agenda

Agenda at a Glance 

Breakout Session I   9:35AM - 10:20AM

Speaker Presentation: Making the Connections, Having an Impact
Presented by Unethia Fox
2023 M-DCPS ​Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year
Location: GC 140 

The role of educators has morphed into many different tasks and responsibilities. The profession is filled with constant change and the need to keep up with the rapidly changing needs and learning styles of children. All that you can control within the walls of your classroom starts with building a lasting relationship. Before you can educate anyone, they have to be willing to listen and have a level of respect for you as a person. This must happen before you can communicate anything to them.

Panel Discussion:Establish A Teaching Career While Making Money - FEA Teacher Recruitment, Empowerment, and Development of Inclusive Male Teachers and Leaders of Color
Presented by Treska V. Rodgers
Executive Director, M-DCPS Office of Professional Learning and Career Development
Project REDI/FEA Students
Location: GC 150                                     

Presenters will discuss the design of Project REDI/FEA. The preparation program is a component of the Future Educators of America (FEA) Clubs within Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) secondary schools. 9th and 10^th-grade male students of color are recruited to expose them to the teaching profession as a career lattice and to recruit more male teachers of color. This program provides students with mentoring opportunities, professional development, formal and informal networking sessions, a solid introductory foundation of effective teaching strategies, instructional techniques, field trips, and paid summer internships.

Breakout Session II  10:25AM - 11:10AM

Speaker Presentation: S.H.I.N.E. for the Future
Presented by Seema Naik
2023 Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Location: GC 140

Seema Naik will be sharing her journey of being an educator for the last 22 years. She will focus on the importance of being a passionate educator, who strives to ignite the love of learning within every student. Some key components of her presentation will include efficient planning methods and innovative student engagement tools. She will share strategies to create a welcoming classroom environment that strengthens social-emotional needs and promotes life-long learning.

Workshop:  Exploring Inquiry with the STEM Transformational Institute
Presented by Nicholas Oehm, Jr., Assistant Professor, FIU, and Keren Duran, FIUteach Student
Location: Panther Suites GC 3rd Floor

FIUteach is a secondary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teacher preparation initiative that is helping to produce qualified math and science teachers who will inspire and challenge students to become the math and science leaders of tomorrow. This session will showcase innovative teaching models and best practices in STEM teaching. Students will participate in an inquiry-based STEM activity.

Panel Discussion:  Exploring Majors and Careers in Education
Presented by FIU Education Faculty and FEA Members
Location: GC 150 

This session will help you plan for a career in the field of Education. Join the conversation with FIU Education faculty and students in this interactive session where you will learn about the most popular and in-demand education and teaching careers, as well as the different types of teaching degree programs that will prepare you to pursue the career of your dream. Professors and college students will give you the inside scoop about what you should be doing while in high school to make sure you succeed in college.

Breakout Session I & II   9:35AM - 11:10AM

Competitive Events
Job Interview Competition, GC 288
Public Speaking Competition, Panther Suites GC 3rd Floor
Spotlight on Education Competition, GC 355
Writing Creative Non-Fiction Competition, GC 355
Ethical Dilemma Competition, GC 316
Researching Learning Challenges Competition, GC 305
Chapter Display Competition, GC 243

General Session II   12:10PM - 12:55PM

Speaker Presentation:  Take the Plunge
Presented by Melissa Matz
2023 Florida Teacher of the Year, Clay County Public Schools
Location: GC Ballrooms

Melissa Matz, 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year and avid swimmer, explores the timeless cycle of learning we all journey while developing new skills. Be inspired to tackle the uncharted waters of new experiences, and take the plunge for students, communities, and even yourself, by learning the water isn’t so scary after all.

Speaker Presentation: Teaching Honestly: Authenticity as a Survival Tactic for New Teacher
Presented by Gabriela Goitía Vázquez
2023 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year
Location: GC Ballrooms

Given current wage deficits, skyrocketing housing costs, and the mass exodus from our profession, it is an increasingly bizarre and intimidating time to become a teacher. It is even more challenging for new educators who must balance the demands of creating their classroom routines and finding their voices as newly minted educators.  In this session, Gabriela Goitía Vázquez will talk about the relationship between being an authentic educator and staying in the teaching profession long-term, sharing tangible strategies for finding your teacher voice to create both an enjoyable and attentive classroom culture and a sustainable and satisfying career.