January 2025 Newsletter

I have always liked Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." As Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton made landfall this past fall, causing widespread disruption and devastation, educators and school leaders demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their students. Despite facing immense challenges, schools and teachers swiftly adapted ensuring continuity of education for students affected by the storms. This commitment to maintaining learning opportunities, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Florida's educators.

While the hurricanes presented significant challenges, we have also heard how districts around the Tampa Bay area continue to grapple with teacher shortages. It is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain qualified educators. Additionally, providing ongoing professional learning opportunities remains a critical need, as educators seek to stay current with best practices and innovative teaching strategies.

The David C. Anchin Center exists to address these needs. Our mission is to support educators and school leaders through high-quality professional learning programs that empower them to enhance student learning. By offering a wide range of workshops and seminars and working in partnership with districts, we strive to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern-day education. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ultimately benefiting students across Florida.

Sincerely,

David Scanga, Ed.D.

Director and Endowed Chair in Education Innovation

David C. Anchin Center

• USF College of Education Welcomes Interim Dean Jenifer Jasinski Schneider
• Fall 2024 Professional Learning Highlights
• APSI 2025 Registration is Now Open
• Anchin Center Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
• Spring Professional Learning Preview
• Anchin Center Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
• Research Study Opportunity
• Make a gift to the Anchin Center
• About the David C. Anchin Center

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Happy New Year! I’m happy to connect with you as the Interim Dean of the USF College of Education. This is an exciting time for education, as we work together to prepare the next generation of teachers and support those who are already shaping the future in classrooms across Tampa Bay and beyond.

The David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching is a critical part of these efforts. The Anchin Center’s mission to collaborate with K-12 educators in restructuring schools and enhancing the teaching profession resonates deeply with the values of the College of Education. Its work is vital not only to improving the quality of education but also to attracting and retaining talented educators who inspire and transform the lives of their students.

I am proud to support the Anchin Center and the exceptional opportunities it provides for professional learning and district partnerships. The center’s efforts to equip practicing teachers with cutting-edge strategies and tools are key to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in our schools. These initiatives strengthen the ties between the College of Education and the dedicated educators in our community, creating a shared commitment to excellence in education.

As we look to the future, I am optimistic about the impact we can make together. The energy and passion of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the collaborative spirit of our district partners give me great confidence in what lies ahead.

Thank you for your continued support of the Anchin Center and the USF College of Education. Together, we will continue to empower teachers, inspire learners, and build brighter futures for all.

Warm regards,

Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
USF College of Education

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching held a free professional learning workshop titled "The Future is Here: Artificial Intelligence in the Mathematics Classroom." The event brought together educators and leaders from various Tampa Bay area school districts to discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in education, specifically in math instruction.

Facilitated by Ms. Deb Costello, a seasoned educator with 36 years of experience teaching mathematics from grades 6-12, the workshop aimed to demystify AI for teachers and help them explore ways to integrate AI into their math lessons. Ms. Costello, whose career spans Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts, shared her expertise in using technology to enhance learning, drawing on her background as a consultant for the College Board and as a speaker at numerous national conferences.

Participants explored key questions such as how AI functions, how educators and students are using AI in the classroom, and how it can be harnessed to improve math instruction. The workshop also provided a valuable opportunity for teachers to network and exchange ideas about the future of AI in education. Read more...

The David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching has launched an exciting professional learning series titled Foundations for Flourishing: A Professional Learning Network for New Teachers. Designed to provide critical support to early-career educators, this program fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment for teachers to tackle the unique challenges they face in their first years of teaching.

The network, which meets every three weeks, brings together educators from Hillsborough County Schools, Pasco County Schools, and beyond. Over the course of six sessions, participants engage in collective problem-solving, professional learning, and the cultivation of instructional, emotional, and social support systems. Each meeting runs for two hours, offering an opportunity for teachers to reflect, grow, and build connections with their peers.

“Starting out as a new teacher can feel isolating and overwhelming,” said one participant. “This network has helped me feel supported and equipped with strategies to succeed in my classroom.”

Throughout the series, the group has tackled critical topics such as building strong relationships with students, addressing the challenges of teaching in Title I schools, maintaining high expectations, interpreting growth and achievement data, and lesson planning with Florida’s educational standards. These discussions are practical and action-oriented, ensuring that teachers leave each session with tools and strategies they can implement immediately. Read more...

On the evening of Thursday, September 12th, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosted an engaging and insightful event as part of its Faculty Speaker Series. Dr. Noémi Nagy, an assistant professor in the USF College of Education’s Department of Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning, delivered a compelling talk titled “Integrative Negotiations: How to Get Your Way AND Make Friends.” The event took place in TECO Hall and drew a diverse audience eager to enhance their negotiation skills.

Negotiation, a skill often perceived as daunting, was demystified during Dr. Nagy’s interactive presentation. Participants learned that negotiation is not only a teachable skill but also a critical tool for advocacy, particularly for women and minorities. By shifting the focus from disputes to expanding mutual gains, Dr. Nagy demonstrated how negotiations could become less intimidating and more collaborative. Read more...

On the morning of Saturday, September 14, 2024, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosted an innovative workshop titled “Empowering Classrooms with Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Teaching and Learning Practices.” This event, a product of the international scholarly agreement between the Anchin Center and the Institute of Educational Research at Chonnam National University in South Korea, brought together educators from both sides of the globe to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

The workshop was designed to equip practicing teachers with practical tools and strategies to integrate AI into their classrooms, enhancing teaching practices and student learning outcomes. Covering essential topics such as understanding AI, exploring global perspectives, discovering innovative applications, and utilizing AI platforms, the workshop offered a comprehensive overview of the role AI can play in modern education.

Structured around four interactive mini-sessions, the event featured hands-on activities and real-world examples to help participants develop actionable insights. Attendees left with practical knowledge to implement AI-driven solutions in their classrooms effectively. Read more...

On September 24, 2024, educators from across the country gathered online to celebrate the launch of Dr. Vanessa E. Vega’s new book, Latina Teachers in the Deep South. Hosted by the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching, this webinar provided an opportunity to explore the critical themes and innovative strategies outlined in Dr. Vega’s work.

In her presentation, Dr. Vega delved into the research underpinning her book, emphasizing the importance of humanizing teaching strategies in the face of restrictive education laws across the United States. She highlighted how these laws often seek to limit students' counternarratives and curtail teachers' autonomy. To counteract these challenges, Dr. Vega proposed centering testimonio as both pedagogy and a liberatory writing genre. Read more...

On October 24, 2024, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching welcomed Dr. Dianne Wellington to deliver a compelling research talk as part of the Anchin Center Speaker Series. Her presentation, titled “Healing and Restorative Literacies,” offered attendees an in-depth exploration of these transformative literacies and their potential to reshape educational settings.

Drawing from her extensive research and professional experiences, Dr. Wellington illuminated the profound implications of healing and restorative literacies for schools. She shared practical strategies for integrating these approaches into classrooms, emphasizing their role in fostering equity and supporting both teachers and students in navigating complex emotional and social landscapes.

The interactive session was a hallmark of Dr. Wellington’s talk, inviting audience members to actively participate in dialogue and personal reflection. Attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions, individual introspection, and concluded the session with empowering affirmations. The collaborative atmosphere created a space for meaningful connection and deeper understanding of the literacies’ impact. Read more...

In the wake of two major hurricanes that impacted the Tampa Bay area this fall, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosted an impactful professional learning session on November 7, 2024. Titled “After the Storms: Teaching Amidst the Climate Crisis,” the event was led by USF College of Education faculty member Dr. Alex Panos. The session brought together undergraduate students to explore the challenges and responsibilities educators face in the context of climate-related disasters.

The session opened with a discussion about the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes and their profound impacts on children, families, and school communities. Participants shared their experiences and concerns, identifying resources and strategies that could be applied in future emergency situations to support students and educators alike. Read more...

On November 12, 2024, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching proudly hosted the fall summit for Math by the Bay, a cross-district collaborative, facilitated by USF College of Education faculty members Dr. Sarah van Ingen Lauer and Dr. David Allsopp, focused on enhancing mathematics education and support for exceptional student learners in the Tampa Bay area. The group’s vision is to create a synergistic and interdisciplinary community dedicated to setting struggling learners on a trajectory of mathematical success.

This summit marked the second year of the collaborative’s work, bringing together K-12 district leaders to discuss Year 2 priorities, which include:

1. Effective Use of Data to Improve Outcomes for Below Basic Performing Students
2. Developing and Piloting the Math by the Bay Coaching Model for Math and Special Education Teacher Collaborators
3. Broadening Participation with a Focus on Parents

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about analyzing data to improve student outcomes and explored strategies to implement a coaching model to enhance collaboration between mathematics and special education teachers. In light of recent Florida legislation mandating "deficiency letters," the group also began developing a pool of survey items designed to better understand the experiences and needs of parents whose children struggle with mathematics. Read more...

The Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Institute, is a College Board endorsed program that provides professional development to AP teachers. Through the Advanced Placement™ program, College Board provides a way for high school students to earn free college credits while taking high school courses. Taking Advanced Placement courses exposes students to college level coursework and begins preparing them to think more critically.

The AP Summer Institute provides teachers the opportunity to learn how to teach their course from College Board-approved consultants. These consultants are experts in their subject areas and work with College Board as AP readers, graders, and table leaders. Not only is this an opportunity to learn directly from College Board experts, but also from other instructors from all over the world! This 4-day intensive training is designed to enhance the AP teacher's skills, ability, and knowledge of their subject regardless of their experience level.

2025 Dates and Available Courses:

• June 30 - July 3, 2025 (ONLINE only)
• AP Chinese Language & Culture
• AP Government and Politics Comparative
• AP Spanish Language
• July 7 -10, 2025 (IN PERSON only)
• AP Art & Design
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP English Literature & Composition
• AP Human Geography
• AP Physics C
• AP Precalculus
• AP Psychology
• AP Spanish Language & Culture
• AP U.S. Government & Politics
• AP World History-new to teaching AP World History
• AP World History-experienced in teaching AP World History
• July 14-17, 2025 (IN PERSON only)
• AP Calculus AB-new to teaching AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus AB-experienced in teaching AP Calculus AB
• AP Chemistry
• AP English Language & Composition
• AP English Literature & Composition
• AP Environmental Science
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Music Theory
• AP Precalculus
• AP Psychology
• AP Spanish Literature & Culture
• AP Statistics
• AP U.S. History
• AP World History
• July 21-24, 2025 (IN PERSON only)
• AP Art History
• AP Biology
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Chemistry
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Physics 1
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics
• AP US History

The David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching was established to honor and support the work of educators across the state of Florida. Today, the Anchin Center serves as a hub for educators, scholars, leaders, and policy makers who have a passion for advancing the teaching profession.

We are looking forward to celebrating 30 years of empowering teacher development at the Anchin Center this spring! Be on the lookout for information about our anniversary celebration scheduled for late May, 2025.

Keep up to date with Anchin Center professional learning events by subscribing to our distribution list and following us on social media @USFAnchin. Information about events are shared on a rolling basis as events are finalized. If you have questions about professional learning opportunities at the Anchin Center or are interested in partnering with us, please email Dr. Rachel Hatten.

USF College of Education faculty member, Dr. Yiting Chu, is conducting a research study regarding Florida educators' experiences with HB7, the Individual Freedom Act. K-12 teachers and school administrators in Florida public schools are invited to participate in a virtual interview about their perceptions and implementation of HB 7. Interviews will last approximately 60 minutes and all information will be kept confidential. Each participant will receive a $25 gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and contribution.

For more details or questions, please contact yitingchu@usf.edu

Imagine a future where every classroom buzzes with the energy of innovation, where teachers are empowered to inspire young minds in new and profound ways. This vision is at the heart of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching, and it's supporters like you who bring this dream to life.

Every day, your generosity helps us provide groundbreaking professional development, cutting-edge resources, and research opportunities that shape the educators of tomorrow. But there's more we can do, and that's where we need your help.

Please consider adding your support to foster the next wave of educational excellence. By making a donation today, you join other supporters in creating a legacy of learning that will resonate for generations.

Together, we can ensure that every teacher has the tools to unlock their full potential and, in turn, ignite the limitless curiosity of their students. Thank you for considering a gift to the Anchin Center. Your contribution is more than a donation; it's an investment in a future where education knows no bounds.

The mission of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching is to collaborate with teachers, school leaders, districts, and other educators to improve the quality of education for students and to transform the teaching profession to attract, retain, and develop quality educators. We achieve this mission through partnerships with schools, the broader educational community, business and industry, and the community at large.

Email: AnchinCenter@usf.edu
Website: usf.edu/education/anchin
Location: 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, USA
Phone: 813-974-5959
Facebook: facebook.com/USFAnchin
Twitter: @USFAnchin

Instagram: @USFAnchin