As a result of the encouragement I received from my Lastinger School Coordinator, I joined the Gator Nation and became a part of the Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) program in 2012. As an educator, I believe continuous professional development enhances ideas and practices. The courses I have completed have been beneficial in my role as instructional coach. As a result I have found myself reflecting more often on my teaching practices and how I interact with others.

Initially, the idea of enrolling in a distance learning program seemed intimidating. I worried about the lack of classroom interaction. However, the TSLI program has afforded me the opportunity to further my education while implementing learned practices. Additional benefits of the TLSI program are the course work relevance, face-to- face meetings, access to professors, and professional peers. In this distance learning program I truly feel I am part of a leaning community.

Teia Anderson
Math Coach
Duval County, FL

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning has been instrumental in my professional learning. I am a Regional Reading Coordinator with the Florida Department of Education. In this role, I must understand where theory meets practice, where pedagogy meets adult learning, and the impact federal, state, and local policies have on student achievement. The Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) Program has equipped me with the tools necessary to do my job well. Besides, how could I pass up an opportunity to study WHILE I worked?

A local school teacher recently asked “To what do you attribute your success?” My response was simple: I attribute my success to the students who helped me understand learning and to the professors who helped me understand students. Thanks UF! I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything in the world.

Des Floyd
Regional Reading Coordinator
Florida Department of Education
Bureau of School Improvement
Duval County, FL