Held March 30 through April 3, the week featured a wide range of programming including professional development workshops, guest speakers, networking opportunities, and student-led presentations, all centered on supporting the next generation of teachers.
“This first annual Education Week was a powerful and inspiring celebration of our future educators and the profession they are preparing to enter,” said Dr. Sandy Davis, coordinator of elementary education.
The week began with the “Shape Your Future” kickoff lunch on Monday at Markland House, where a panel of local education leaders, administrators, and alumni offered career insights and advice to students preparing to enter the field. Dr. Cheryl McCarthy set the tone early, describing teaching as “the profession that makes every other profession possible.”
Panelists emphasized both practical and intangible aspects of the profession, encouraging students to seek out supportive school environments and approach interviews thoughtfully.
“Look for a school that you feel you can really invest yourself in,” one panelist advised, while others highlighted the importance of asking meaningful questions during the hiring process, including how schools define success for new teachers.
Tuesday’s programming included an author series and networking opportunities, as well as a workshop on developing an effective elevator pitch. The Career Development Center also hosted a LinkedIn workshop to help students strengthen their professional presence.
Davis noted that one of the week’s highlights came on Tuesday as local high school students joined the experience.
“We were especially excited to welcome 70 high school students from the St. Augustine H.S. Teaching Academy, who joined us for the day to attend sessions, engage with our guest authors, and share lunch alongside our college students,” she said.
Continuing through the week, Wednesday’s events focused heavily on reflection and experiential learning. Sessions included faculty-led discussions, student internship presentations, and global teaching perspectives through our partners in Global Teacher Education from the University of Wurzburg.
A standout moment from day three came during the “From Flagler College Graduates to Flagler College Professors” session, where Dr. Carl Williams, Dr. Michella Basas, and Dr. Jonathan Higgins reflected on their journeys from Flagler students to faculty members.
Sharing personal stories of growth, mentorship, and professional development, the three offered a full-circle perspective that resonated with current students and highlighted the long-term impact of a Flagler education.
“These conversations created space for authentic questions and helped students begin building their professional networks,” Davis said.
Another captivating moment came Thursday evening during the “Stories from the Field” alumni panel and celebration dinner, where graduates returned to campus to share their experiences and connect with current students.
“Our celebration dinner honoring future educators was a heartfelt highlight of the week, bringing our community together in recognition of the dedication and promise of our students,” Davis said.
Friday’s sessions continued to emphasize both personal and professional development, covering topics such as mindfulness in the classroom and student well-being.
The week then concluded with a student-led fashion show highlighting professional attire for future educators, offering what Davis described as “a joyful and creative finale.”
For students, the impact of Education Week extended beyond individual sessions.
“Education Week has truly showcased all the facets of the department that I have come to be grateful for and given it all a well-deserved spotlight,” said deaf education major Taylor Lieberman. “One of the key things that stood out to me across the board is how I was able to connect with people who are also passionate about education and committed to being lifelong learners.”
Lieberman added that the experience reinforced a sense of community within the program and provided meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and professionals.
“Overall, the week renewed my faith in the teaching profession as a whole and how when we all build a community like this one, we will better be able to support each other and our students,” she said.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the week as a defining moment in their academic journeys.
“I knew Education Week would be great, but it surpassed my expectations,” said Yeilanie Ayala, an elementary and exceptional student education major. “I knew there would be events that would give us knowledge to take into our future classrooms, but there were also events that prepared us for the challenges of life itself. From the financial literacy presentation to the impactful speech of the dangers of fentanyl poisoning, it all prepared me for more than just the classroom.”
Students also pointed to specific sessions that left a lasting impression. Deaf education major Arabella Parello highlighted a leadership presentation by Dr. Matthew Ohlson as particularly impactful.
“As teachers, we often forget that our job ultimately relies on us being leaders for all our students,” Parello said. “I will always remember that the most important thing about teaching is not the salary being made, but the difference we are making in our classrooms.”
From professional skill-building to moments of personal reflection, Education Week offered a comprehensive look at the teaching profession and the many paths within it.
“The energy throughout the week was truly contagious and uplifting,” Davis said. “Education Week was a beautiful reflection of who we are as a department.”
