FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, June 20, 2024
-(EON: Enhanced Online News)– Gain:
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Hosts 35th Annual Collegium for the Advancement of Education
25 Lee County Teachers enjoyed a week at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
FORT MYERS, FL (Thursday, June 20, 2024) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, in partnership with The School District of Lee County, spent a wonderful week on Captiva Island from June 10th through June 15th. Twenty-five teachers representing several Lee County public schools, the six 2024 Golden Apple Teachers, a current administrator in the district, as well as two previous Golden Apple teachers attended. The week was packed with learning, collaborating, teamwork, and FUN!
The purpose of the week was to both celebrate and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the teachers in our community, while also giving them a unique opportunity to learn about and acquire new skills and strategies to better engage their students in the learning process. The participating educators had extensive opportunities to network and share best practices with other teachers and business partners. Each attendee received 40 hours of service learning to be applied to their professional development requirements. In addition, they spent their evenings enjoying the beach, socializing at the pool, and being wined and dined at various restaurants including RC Otters, Key Lime Bistro, Cantina Captiva, and the Mucky Duck. Thanks to the courtesy of Laura DeBruce with Sanibel Carts, we were able to transport educators around the island, even in the rain. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were welcomed on Cabbage Key Island last minute to enjoy a wonderful meal at their restaurant and made new connections with Assistant Manager Bill Moses stating, “I think I may have had more fun than you did.”
Golden Apple recipient, Collegium attendee and High School Teacher, Michelle Smith reflected on the week by stating “I’m in awe of the amazing educators who gave up a week of summer break to develop their craft further. We were an eclectic group who took each challenge with stride. The weather helped bond us further together. The knowledge, memories, and friendships I walked away with will be forever lasting! Thank you to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools for valuing our education system and seeing us educators for all we do!”
Previous Golden Apple Teacher and Lead Trainer for the week was Cindy McClung, Chief Performance and Innovation Officer for the Lee County Tax Collector. Ms. McClung has over 30 years of experience integrating the Baldrige/Sterling framework and Glasser’s Choice Theory into the workplace. “The Collegium provides a unique opportunity for talented teachers from across the district to come together to learn, reflect, and grow professionally. Working with these educators, who represent the best of Lee County, is truly a pleasure. Their commitment to their students and to this community is evident in the passion they bring to their work. This learning experience would not be possible without the Foundation and the support of our local business community, whose dedication to education is unwavering. This partnership benefits everyone – our teachers, our students, and ultimately, the future of our community.”
The Foundation for Lee County Public School’s President and CEO, Marshall T. Bower, Esq. adds “Once again the teachers attending Collegium participated in learning new strategies, sharing best practices, and networking. This group also demonstrated their resiliency by not letting the weeklong storm dampen their spirit. Our public-school teachers are the best and their love of our community’s greatest asset, our students, shines through!”
The week ended with a celebratory banquet honoring this year’s Golden Apple Teachers as they enter the Academy of Teachers and acknowledging the hard work of all Collegium attendees. It was clear to see that amazing new friendships and growth were fostered during the week. We would all like to thank our many major sponsors for making this week possible.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools: The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. The Foundation is rated a Platinum organization by GuideStar. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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2024 Collegium for the Advancement of Education participants at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island.
Pictured left to right: 2024 Golden Apple Teachers and Collegium attendees: Sarah Thornburg, Michelle Smith, Jessica Lisi, Jill Klausing, Sara Kizzire, and Christine Bartz.
Collegium participants sharing a collaborative project poster on their values and goals as an educator.
Collegium attendees begin making connections and building relationships to allow for the sharing of ideas and classroom strategies.
Collegium attendees traveled on the Captiva Cruises to enjoy dinner on Cabbage Key at the Cabbage Key Inn Restaurant.