Career Research

Meet an Economics Teacher at FLVS

By on September 29th, 2017

Ever thought about taking Economics online with Florida Virtual School? If not, you’re missing out!

In this Q&A, Mr. Tidd shares why he loves teaching Economics with Financial Literacy at FLVS. Learn more in his interview and course intro video below!

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Five FLVS Electives That Teach Life Skills

By on September 5th, 2017

This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click

Despite money management being a highly important life skill, a survey conducted in 2016 states that only 17 states in the US require a personal finance class to graduate high school. This has remained unchanged since 2014. Luckily, FLVS offers a “Personal and Family Finance” class to help prepare students for graduation. This is only one of many important electives that FLVS offers! Continue reading


To Program or Not to Program?

By on August 31st, 2017

To program, or not to program? That is the question. If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t learned to program yet – but if you’re like most people, you probably should.

Many people don’t learn about programming because they think it doesn’t relate to their personal or career interests. After all, not everyone wants to be a professional programmer, right? However, should a person take a finance class only if he/she is going to be an accountant? Continue reading


Military Crossroads with Career and Technical Education (CTE)

By on May 26th, 2017

Michael Francis

Michael Francis, U.S. Army Sergeant

From 2000 to 2004, I was an active duty Soldier in the United States Army and have been in the Florida Army National Guard since 2005.

There are many parts of my military career that stand out in my memory. Basic training, my drill sergeant during the hot summer at Fort Jackson, being in my promotion board during the September 11 attacks, being deployed during multiple state emergencies, and so much more. Most recently, and regardless of political platform, I was honored to play a role in our democracy by providing security support for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in D.C.

However, these memories and events are not what changed me the most.

Instead, it is the military’s connection with CTE that has been the most valuable. That connection positively affected my personal life, my educational pursuits, and my civilian career.

Although military life is not for everyone, the skills and knowledge that are integrated within CTE are for everyone, whether an Army future is in the cards or not.

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12 Months of Life Skills for Student Success

By on January 13th, 2017

Life Skills for StudentsAs we start a new year, educators and parents all have a common goal for 2017 – to ensure that our children have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for college and a future career.

What if we each set a goal to teach our students one skill a month?

If all of our students put this plan into action today, can you imagine the impact we could make on our future generation?

Today’s workplace values creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. Managing time, setting goals, handling stress, and a variety of other skills can help students succeed in all of these areas.

Ready to get started? Check out the guide below and set reminders on your phone or calendar to help you stay on track.  Continue reading


FLVS Career and Technical Education Course Tour

By on December 10th, 2015

FLVS Career and TechComputer Science Education Week is a great time to think about getting certified with FLVS!

But what exactly does getting a technical certification mean?

With more than 20 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to choose from at FLVS, you can earn certifications from companies like Microsoft, Adobe, and Cisco. A certification shows employers that you have the most current skills and that you meet performance standards within the tech industry—an industry that continues to grow every year.

Interested in Computer Programming, Networking, or Digital Media and Design? With CTE courses at FLVS, you may be able to get a jump start on college credit and earn a weighted credit to boost your GPA. Continue reading


Networking 3: Infrastructure

By on May 12th, 2015

Networking3Certification Preparation for uCertify

Ever wanted to know what those Networking courses are all about? Prior to enrollment in our Networking 3, Infrastructure certification test prep course, students should display proficient knowledge about installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-sized routed and switched networks. Students must also have successfully completed the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician certification, available through our Networking 2, Infrastructure course.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification exam. Students demonstrating successful mastery of the coursework will be provided voucher codes to take the industry certification exam. Continue reading


National Career & Technical Education Month

By on February 6th, 2015

CTE Month
February is National Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month.

In order to recognize the important contribution that CTE makes to our educational system, and ultimately our economic success, Governor Rick Scott released a Proclamation declaring February 2015 as Career & Technical Education month in the State of Florida.

In his proclamation, Governor Scott commends the efforts of CTE to both stimulate economic growth as well as preparing students for success in college and careers. Florida Virtual School currently provides CTE opportunities to over 10,000 Florida students annually through 28 different course options. Continue reading


Projected Job Growth vs. Openings

By on January 23rd, 2015

Job openingsWhat if you were asked to identify the top 10 fastest growing occupations in Florida? The answer might be quite surprising. According to the Statewide Demand Occupations List, these are the winners with the highest percentage of growth expected:

1. Brick masons and Block masons
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
3. Cost Estimators
4. Heating, A.C., and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
5. Interpreters and Translators
6. Physical Therapist Assistants
7. Medical Secretaries
8. Dental Hygienists
9. Meeting and Convention Planners Continue reading


What Went Wrong?

By on November 14th, 2014

Career Research blog
Katie had never imagined she’d be living month to month, in constant fear that she wouldn’t have enough to pay her rent. After all, Katie had a college degree and a job.

When I met Katie, she was 23 years old and working her dream job at a non-profit. She didn’t have any credit card debt. What had gone wrong?

Katie had massive student loans from college, totaling more than $128,000. Katie’s salary was $32,000 and more than $12,000 of that went to pay the debt and interest. Continue reading