TAVARES – A signing day ceremony recently celebrated five students who have completed the four-year teacher preparatory program at the Tavares High School Teaching Academy, marking the district’s continuing commitment to the students throughout their college studies and beyond.
The academy was launched in 2017-18 in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF) to help Lake County Schools grow and develop new teachers for the district.
Through the academy, students complete an advanced, hands-on curriculum in preparation for a career in teaching. After high school, they may continue with their post-secondary education at UCF or any higher institution and complete internships in Lake schools. Doing so guarantees them a job interview with the district, where they can start their career in education.
The five students to complete the program this year are Michelle Diaz, Haylee Green, Abigail Grounds, Nia Rodriguez and Serenity Strack. Four of them will continue their studies at Lake-Sumter State College through its new bachelor of science degree program in elementary education. The remaining student will attend Florida International University in Miami.
All five gathered in the Tavares High gymnasium for a signing-day ceremony similar to those held for student athletes. While the athletes sign documents showing their commitment to a post-secondary sports program, these five future educators signed a “promise letter” that also was signed by Superintendent Diane Kornegay, who oversaw the formation of the academy.
"The School Board of Lake County, Florida, promises an opportunity to obtain an instructional position once you become eligible for teacher certification, according to the requirements established by the State of Florida,” the letter reads. It goes on to promise that the district will 1) keep in touch with them from high school commencement through college graduation; 2) provide practicum and student teaching internships if they major in education; 3) provide resume building and mock-interviewing opportunities for them, and 4) will consider part-time or intermittent job opportunities for them.