The program supports STEM-focused peer-to-peer professional development for teachers
BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Florida Power & Light Company recently awarded more than $13,100 to Broward Education Foundation as part of its statewide EmPOWERing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Educators Program. The program’s goal is to increase teacher knowledge of effective math and science instructional practices that align with Florida Standards through peer-to-peer learning of best practices within a district.
The funding will support the Broward Education Foundation’s “Supercharging SECME” project. This project will expand to the entire district using SECME, a national competition with a variety of competition areas, as the vehicle for learning. Two teacher observers from each of the three regions: north, central, and south, will be selected based on their expertise with SECME events. The teachers will have an opportunity to implement their knowledge to prepare educational materials that will be used districtwide during monthly professional development meetings to guide new teachers in best practices for STEM / SECME integration.
“High-quality, engaging, standards-based instruction is critical for students to build strong foundations in math and science,” said Mary Chance, president and CEO, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. “Through this program, we are grateful to provide our teachers with a valuable learning opportunity that will benefit both their professional development and the education of students across Broward County.”
FPL is partnering with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) to bring the EmPOWERING STEM Educators Program to school districts throughout the state. Since 2010, the Consortium has administered firsthand, workplace-based STEM classroom learning experiences to increase student awareness and interest in STEM careers. Together, the Consortium and FPL developed this program specifically for math and science teachers.
“We know that when you invest in teacher development, you are also investing in every student they will instruct and inspire for many years to come,” said Sarah Marmion, education, and outreach centers manager for FPL. “Supporting our local students and educators’ education helps better prepare tomorrow’s leaders and innovators while also making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Including Broward Education Foundation, FPL is awarding a total of $131,000 to 11 local education foundations across the state.
As part of a continued commitment to STEM education, FPL and the NextEra Energy Foundation will also award up to 5 schools this year in Florida each a $50,000 classroom makeover grant to improve technology, equipment, and resources to empower for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Applications are open until October 15, 2022. For more information visit FPL.com/Education.
