Agenda & Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session I   9:40AM - 10:20AM

Relationship-centered Classrooms
Presented by Ms. Melissa Abril-Dotel
2025 ​Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year
Miami-Dade County Public Schools 

Ms. Abril-Dotel will discuss her focus on creating a classroom environment where relationships are at the core of learning. Her approach emphasizes understanding each student's needs, interests, and backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community. This relationship-centered approach not only creates a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel valued but also enhances learning and motivation. She will share how she builds a relationship-centered classroom through three key steps.

Guiding and Evaluating Teacher Reflection
Presented by Dr. Sandra Adorno
Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Music Education
Florida International University

The more critically a teacher reflects on their teaching, the more conscious they become of the whys and hows associated with an experience. However, reflection and critical analysis of one's teacher are no easy feats. This session will discuss reflective frameworks and how they may offer educators guidance in understanding reflection and measuring their growth with or without a mentor.

Partnership Building Between NGOs, School Districts, and Your Classroom: Which Approach is Best?
Presented by Ms. Analisa Duran
Director of Science Education
Frost Science

How can educators work in tandem with their school district and local NGOs to better support STEM learning in their classrooms? How can educators ensure that they engage their students in meaningful learning experiences that align with state standards and highlight real-world science and content experts? There is no “one size fits all” answer to these questions. Through this workshop, presented by Frost Science, Dream in Green, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we will discuss varying approaches to NGO-school district partnerships, with an emphasis on K-12 science learning.

Project REDI/FEA Program
Presented by Ms. Kadesha Dean
District Director, Non-Instructional Support Personnel Staff Development
Project REDI/FEA Students
Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Project REDI is a component of Future Educators of America (FEA) Clubs within the secondary schools of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Male students beginning in 9th and 10th grade are recruited to be part of a community of male students sharing an interest in the teaching profession. Project REDI students engage in exercises to explore effective teaching practices theoretically and practically, ultimately discovering the impact that male teachers particularly, may have on their students. Students participating in the Project REDI program will be provided with mentoring opportunities, professional development, formal and informal collaborative sessions, and a paid Summer Practicum Experience.

Breakout Session II   10:30AM - 11:10AM

Everybody Deserves a Mrs. Balzevizius
Presented by Dr. Claudia Singkornrat
2025 Teacher of the Year
Broward County Public Schools

What did your favorite teacher do that made them unforgettable? What turned you off from a teacher? This workshop offers you the tools and inspiration needed to make a lasting impact on your students. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to refine your approach, join us to discover how to inspire your students, manage your classroom effectively, and stay motivated in the rewarding field of education. Elevate your teaching game and become the educator every student remembers!

The Toddler TV Trap: New Research on Virtual Autism
Presented by Ms. Andreina Diaz
Doctoral Student in Special Education
Florida International University 

This eye-opening workshop reveals the hidden impacts of screen time on toddlers. Experience a simulation that puts you in a toddler’s shoes, revealing how screens alter their behavior and brain function. Discover how to spot the key differences between low and high-stimulation shows and see firsthand how today’s fast-paced cartoons compare to nostalgic 1990s favorites. Learn about new research on "virtual autism" and its implications for child development. With practical insights and interactive discussions, this workshop equips you with knowledge to support healthier screen habits in young children. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable tools and understanding to enhance child development in today’s digital age!

 
Traveling Through Time: Harnessing Storytelling to Engage Students in the Classroom
Presented by Mr. Juan Martin
2025 ​Rookie Teacher of the Year
Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Embark on a journey where lessons turn into immersive adventures! In this presentation, Juan Martin introduces his "Time Machine" lessons, showcasing how incorporating narrative and storytelling can ignite students' curiosity and deepen their engagement. Juan shows educators how to transform everyday lessons into immersive experiences, using technology and creativity to bring subjects to life in ways that resonate with young learners.

Exploring Majors and Careers in Education Panel
Presented by FIU Education Faculty and FEA Members

This session will help you plan for a career in 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 and the different types of teaching degree programs that will prepare you to pursue the career of your dreams. Professors and college students will give you the inside scoop about what you should be doing in high school to ensure you succeed in college.

Breakout Sessions I & II   9:40AM - 11:10AM

Program Fair

Competitive Events
Job Interview Competition
Public Speaking Competition
Spotlight on Education Competition
Creative Writing and Illustration Competition
Leadership in Education Competition
Ethical Dilemma Competition
Researching Learning Challenges Competition
Chapter Display Competition

General Session II   12:10PM - 12:45PM

The Power of a Teacher
Presented by Jamie Suarez
2025 Florida Teacher of the Year

Jaime Suarez, the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year, reflects on the transformative power of teachers. Sharing her personal journey, she describes how a supportive educator changed her life trajectory.  Mrs. Suarez emphasizes the importance of believing in students and fostering a classroom environment that encourages risk-taking and resilience. She shares her journey of evolving her teaching practices to engage all learners by illustrating that every student can succeed with the right support. Ultimately, she celebrates the transformative power of teachers to inspire and uplift their students.