{"id":213,"date":"2012-11-02T23:31:31","date_gmt":"2012-11-03T03:31:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/?page_id=213"},"modified":"2026-04-06T21:01:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T21:01:24","slug":"testimonials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/","title":{"rendered":"Testimonials"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/Ed-Tech-B-Roll-35.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_vertical_offset=”42%” min_height=”500px” custom_padding=”38px||38px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”50px||50px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”none” position_origin_a=”bottom_center” custom_padding=”0px||29px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”941bca35-9ee2-46da-b883-ccfcfb66c000″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” link_font=”|800||on|||||” link_text_color=”#CC4927″ link_font_size=”13px” link_letter_spacing=”1px” header_text_color=”#194588″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Teacher Leadership for School Improvement<\/a><\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”941bca35-9ee2-46da-b883-ccfcfb66c000″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” link_font=”|800||on|||||” link_text_color=”#CC4927″ link_font_size=”13px” link_letter_spacing=”1px” header_text_color=”#194588″ header_font_size_tablet=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Testimonials<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-testimonial-anderson.jpg” alt=”Teia Anderson portrait” title_text=”tlsi-testimonial-anderson” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Initially, the idea of enrolling in a distance learning program seemed intimidating. I worried about the lack of classroom interaction. However, the TLSI 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 learning community.<\/p>\n

Teia Anderson<\/strong>
Math Coach<\/strong>
Duval County, FL<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”10″ module_class=”pa-vertical-menu” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Lato|700|||||||” menu_text_color=”#1C2F3D” menu_font_size=”16px” background_color=”#E8E8E8″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” custom_css_before=”content:’Menu’;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-left: 8px; ” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Apply Today!<\/a> <\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”941bca35-9ee2-46da-b883-ccfcfb66c000″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”14px” header_2_font=”Lato|900||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#EDBA75″ header_2_font_size=”16px” header_2_letter_spacing=”1px” background_color=”#1C2F3D” text_orientation=”center” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Request Information<\/h2>\n

Sign up for updates about our program!<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n

<\/p>

    <\/ul><\/div>\n
    \n
    \n<\/fieldset>\n
    \n\t

    <\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-testimonial-darby.png” alt=”Shaneka Darby portrait” title_text=”tlsi-testimonial-darby” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The TLSI program has made me reevaluate my current teaching practices. I once thought it was impossible to provide individualized instruction to meet the needs of each student in my classroom. The program has opened up my eyes to how to differentiate instruction and actually teach to every individual student rather than the majority. We learned a wealth of teaching strategies and techniques that all have proven to be effective teaching methods.<\/p>\n

    Shaneka Darby<\/strong>
    3rd Grade Teacher, Avocado Elementary<\/strong>
    Miami-Dade County, FL<\/strong><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-testimonial-floyd.jpg” alt=”Des Floyd portrait” title_text=”tlsi-testimonial-floyd” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    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?<\/p>\n

    A local school teacher recently asked \u201cTo what do you attribute your success?\u201d 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\u2019t trade my experiences for anything in the world.<\/p>\n

    Des Floyd<\/strong>
    Regional Reading Coordinator<\/strong>
    Florida Department of Education<\/strong>
    Bureau of School Improvement<\/strong>
    Duval County, FL<\/strong><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-testimonial-beam.png” alt=”Candace Beam portrait” title_text=”tlsi-testimonial-beam” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The TLSI Program at the University of Florida has given me a profound depth of knowledge about not only being a teacher, teacher leader and teacher researcher, but also education as a whole. It has opened my eyes about what it takes to become a master teacher, including the process of inquiry and the self discovery of teaching ideals and best practices. This program has empowered me as a teacher, mentor, and teacher leader. I know that I am constantly growing with every class; they are actually designed for practicing teachers in the field. I am learning things that are so practical, relevant and applicable in my classroom every day.<\/p>\n

    I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to further their knowledge. Education is an ever-changing field and the TLSI program allows the participants to see the most up-to-date, practical way of dealing with different things in the classroom. It has given me insight into teaching in an urban setting. The professors in the program are truly some of the best that I have ever had. TLSI is designed to help schools improve through the most important tool they have \u2014 the teachers.<\/p>\n

    Candace Beam<\/strong>
    Kindergarten Teacher, Northshore Elementary<\/strong>
    Duval County, FL<\/strong><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-placeholder-300×200-1.jpg” alt=”Century Tower” title_text=”tlsi-placeholder-300×200″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The TLSI program has given me the opportunity to become a better master teacher, teacher leader and teacher researcher. I believe it is one of the best programs for teachers in the nation and closely models many of the teaching [\u2026]<\/p>\n

    Linda Brent<\/strong><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||7px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/files\/2026\/03\/tlsi-testimonial-zaldivar-682×1024-1.jpg” alt=”Kathleen Zaldivar portrait” title_text=”tlsi-testimonial-zaldivar-682×1024″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    I feel blessed for the opportunity to have completed my specialist degree. I have a great feeling of accomplishment. The feeling I have right now is greater than GREAT. Every professor pushed me and other colleagues to do our best. The reflections, the interactions: priceless. I am taking just great memories from this journey and I am so proud to say that I am a GATOR.<\/p>\n

    In Memory of<\/em><\/p>\n

    Kathleen Zaldivar<\/strong>
    Special Education Teacher<\/strong>
    Miami-Dade County, FL<\/strong><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-213","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nTestimonials - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Testimonials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-06T21:01:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/\",\"name\":\"Testimonials - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2012-11-03T03:31:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-06T21:01:24+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Testimonials\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/\",\"name\":\"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Testimonials - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Testimonials","og_url":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/","og_site_name":"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement","article_modified_time":"2026-04-06T21:01:24+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/","url":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/","name":"Testimonials - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/#website"},"datePublished":"2012-11-03T03:31:31+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-06T21:01:24+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/testimonials\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement","item":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Testimonials"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/#website","url":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/","name":"Teacher Leadership for School Improvement","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2120,"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213\/revisions\/2120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/tlsi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}