Targeted Industries: Education

Math and Science in K-12 Public Education is a targeted industry for WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA. WCF will focus on working with industry to positively promote K-12 public education teacher recruitment, training and retention in math and science. The need for the Education Targeted Industry stemmed out of WCF State of the Workforce Survey, Governor Charlie Crists’ Roadmap to Florida’s Future Strategic Plan” to “Build World-Class Talent” and trends in FCAT school and student data.

Some of the strategies and initiatives WCF will embrace in this targeted industry model include:
Recruitment

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence Partnership
Co-Sponsorship of teach-ins and job fairs within region; held in April 2008.
UCF Career Fair and Expo
Held at UCF on November 10th, 2007 to assist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors in finding employment, educate graduates about teaching positions in surrounding counties and alternative certification avenues for non education graduates wishing to pursue teaching as a career.
Scholarships for STEM Education
Youth and 2nd Career workers to pursue STEM fields and math and science teaching careers.

Training and Retention

Leaders in Science Academy
Train elementary school teachers within region on best science teaching practices using inquiry based approaches in conjunction with the Science Olympiad. Teachers chosen to participate via an application process. Partnership in conjunction with UCF College of Optics and Photonics.
Club/Enrichment Sponsorships
Sponsor clubs and enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high schools to increase number of schools participating in Central Florida; Science Olympiad, FIRST Robotics/Legos, FAMAT, SECME etc. Schools supported via application process, open to Lake, Sumter, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.
SECME
Provides inquiry training and enrichment opportunities for elementary, middle and high school teachers of science and math.
FIRST Robotics/Legos Teacher Boot Camp
Provides teachers with training enabling them to bring relevant and rigorous content into their classroom through partnerships with Walt Disney World and Devry University.
Math and Science Labs
Fund math and science labs in low socioeconomic areas. Three labs to be awarded through an application process; one elementary, middle and high school.
Orlando Science Center Partnership
Assists elementary teachers in learning how to create an interactive learning environment that increases student interest in STEM through hands-on robotics investigations.
PRISM-WCF Math and Science Teacher Recognition Program
Identify, target and reward math and science teachers in Central Florida who exemplify best practices and greatness on a daily basis.
Engineering Roadshow
Inform and links STEM industry organizations to K-12 public school system. Enables students to learn about STEM; Some participating firms include Harris, Northrup-Grumman, United Alliance.
Employed Worker Training Funds
Provides school districts with funds for specific training and occupational opportunities in math and science.
Solicitation of Grants with industry partners
In an effort to supplement and sustain model resources, grant sources will be targeted and written in conjunction with plan partners and school districts.

APPLY NOW for select opportunities.

Industry Partners
Our model would not be successful without the support of our partners: