The day started with a lively panel discussion moderated by UTD President Karen Aronowitz. Panel members included Alberto Carvalho, M-DCPS Superintendent; Jacqui Colyer, Regional Director for the Department of Children and Families; Tracey Johnson, Staff Consultant for the Columbus Education Association in Ohio; Gepsie Metellus, Co-founder and Executive Director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center; Jeff Murphy, Director of Instruction, Florida Virtual Schools; and Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, Dean of University of Miami’s School of Education. Elinor Adler, immediate past President of the Broward County Council PTA could not attend due to a family emergency. 

Aronowitz challenged the panelists on various topics ranging from what new models for public education might look like to creating opportunities to engage stakeholders at new levels.  

The goal of this year’s summit was for each participant to leave with a new awareness of the many options for collaborative action with a focus on planning and implementing action steps in their own school, community, or family life. 

Breakout sessions stimulated discussions on Quality Teaching Practices; Innovative and Effective Schools; Teaching Excellence Partnerships; and School-Home Connections. 

A common theme emerged during the panel discussion. Panelists challenged participants to use their voice as educators in articulating the need for change and to challenge current practices. Echoing this theme, Tracey Johnson emphasized that educators must, “Change our mindset in order to change our role.”   

Gepsie Metellus added, “If we (as educators) were in business, we would look at our clients’ interests to be sure that what we offer our clients meets their needs.” 

Some of the most grounded comments came from panel member Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky. He challenged the current system to invest in early education and to end the culture of fear, saying, “Educators thrive in an effective, reflective and supportive environment that is not driven by fear. When fear prevails, nobody is creative.” Dr. Prilletensky also suggested a need for systems to be put into place for educators to support what they learn in professional development once they return to their worksite. 

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho advocated for adequate funding for all aspects of public education from class size to professional development, calling on the Florida Legislators to, “Get serious and stop the deliberate underfunding of public education in our state.” He also advocated for accountability and involvement of parents in their child’s education. 

Participants left the summit with a wallet size card that gave them action steps to take on behalf of public education.  

The sponsors for this year’s summit were Creative Benefits, FEA, NEA,  ING, VALIC, Colonial Bank, and American Fidelity Assurance Company.
 

Click to enlarge pictures.