Sponsored by Nova Southeastern University
(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) – More than 500 of Broward County’s brightest and most creative teachers attended the 15th Annual IMPACT II Idea Expo at Nova Southeastern University to share creative ideas for classroom learning projects and vie for grant money from the Broward Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises private funds to support public school needs.
In addition to more than 50 displays and educational workshops, the teachers enjoyed a best practices keynote address by Alvin Davis, the 2012 Macy’s Florida Department of Education State Teacher of the Year and 2012 School Board of Broward County Teacher of the Year. Davis also is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He spoke about incorporating technology in education, STEM concepts and parent involvement in the classroom.
“Teachers are public servants; and with that great responsibility we must not fail,” he told the audience. “In providing a world-class education we must stand stern when faced with adversity and be ready to go that extra mile when necessary.”
The day also included workshops on such topics as ideas for making math exciting, inspiring students to read and write, even how to start a vegetable garden as a way to prepare students for the FCAT. The top three prize winners for their tabletop displays were Debra Kelly Thomas, a fifth grade teacher at Colbert Elementary School , for her program “Go Green, Earn Green $$;” Diane Spencer, an 11th grade teacher at Northeast High School, for “Globalize It!” and Mary Alice Rowley, a language arts middle school teacher at Forest Glen Middle School, for the career choices project, “What Cha Gonna Do?” Other displays included “Fun in the Sun with Science” by mother/daughter team of Susan and Michelle Weiss. Susan has been a chemistry teacher at Western High School for the past 19 years, and her daughter, Dr. Michelle Weiss is an exceptional education preschool teacher at Tamarac Elementary School.
The teachers who presented projects at the Expo each received $1,000 “IMPACT II Disseminator” grants from the Broward Education Foundation for their willingness to share successful teaching strategies that they had designed and implemented in their classrooms. All Broward County public and charter school educators are encouraged to apply for the grants each year.
For more information, call 754-321-2030, visit www.browardedfoundation.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
