Educational Leadership
Celebrate Our 25th Anniversary with Educator, Mary Mitchell
By Katie Hodgins on October 20th, 2022
Beepers, sit-down dinners with student families, extended-range phone lines to reach throughout the house, matching t-shirts at the science fair so that science club members could recognize each other for the first time, and pay phones to make calls while visiting schools. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has changed quite a lot since its humble beginning in 1997 when it had only 77 enrollments and five courses.
Continue readingWelcome Back-to-School: 5 Questions with Dr. Louis Algaze, FLVS President & CEO
By Florida Virtual School on August 16th, 2021
New school year, new opportunities. It’s a chance to start fresh. Discover new courses. And get to know new people, like Dr. Louis Algaze, Florida Virtual School President & Chief Executive Officer. We sat down with Dr. Algaze to hear what inspires him, his journey to becoming an educational leader, and how he celebrated the first day of school long before Tik Tok existed to capture the moment.
Continue readingFLVS Awarded International Recognitions
By Florida Virtual School on July 28th, 2020
The year 2020 has been an unprecedented one on so many levels, but it’s been said that the best way to get through tough times is to focus on the good stuff whenever you can, so we are happy to share some good news! Florida Virtual School (FLVS) was recognized six times this year by worldwide industry leaders for achievements in education and technology, winning four international awards.
Continue readingRolling out the Red Carpet!
By Guest Blogger on July 27th, 2017
Two weeks ago, I attended the Macy’s Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable and Gala. I spent the week meeting and collaborating with fellow district teachers of the year past and present.
I also met Florida Commissioner of Education Pamela Stewart and Chancellor Hershel Lyons. Thanks to the amazing sponsors for this event, I felt celebrated and appreciated all week receiving gifts and surprises every day.
The gala was held on Thursday at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando where Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott made a special appearance. This event was like being in a Miss America pageant complete with glitz and glam!
I walked the red carpet, had my picture taken, and was hustled backstage. Before I knew it, the spotlights were circling and the curtain rose to reveal 73 district teachers standing on stage.
Through the bright lights, I found my family and FLVS guests. Continue reading
FLVS…How Does Your Garden Grow?
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on June 13th, 2017
Have you ever stopped to think just how FLVS finds such incredible leaders to drive instruction and promote online education? These talented individuals do not always just appear. Many are educated through carefully developed professional opportunities.
In April 2017, a new professional development program was launched by the executive team to provide faculty and staff the chance to engage in hands-on leadership experiences.
The Aspiring Leaders Program is an intensive, 10-month cohort-based institute that will take state-certified educational leaders from within FLVS and provide in-depth exposure throughout the many departments across the organization. Participants will learn alongside mentors in the areas of human resources, finance, curriculum, and more!
FLVS Instructional Leader Gisela Delgado is a very strong advocate for empowering her team of more than 50 instructors in her schoolhouse. Continue reading
Meet the FLVS Full Time Director of Instruction
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on October 27th, 2016
We are celebrating the 2016-17 school year with a blog series featuring FLVS faculty and staff. Meet the creative and dedicated individuals who make every day a great day at FLVS!
Did a parent or teacher ever share with you the old saying “hard work pays off?” Well, it does. Just ask FLVS Full Time Director of Instruction, Katie Santana.
Katie has more than 10 years of experience in the field of education. She joined FLVS as a high school instructor and she has always been committed to ensuring the success of all students. As an Assistant Principal with FLVS Full Time, she strengthened her leadership skills and supported instructors with excellence.
Noticed for her progressive leadership style and friendly nature (she has the best laugh!), Katie was promoted to Principal of FLVS Full Time where she led the school to success earning high scores in state evaluations. Her hard work and strong desire to see all students learn culminated in January 2016 when she was promoted to FLVS Full Time Director of Instruction. Continue reading
Meet an FLVS Lead Teacher
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on September 20th, 2016
We are celebrating the 2016-17 school year with a blog series featuring FLVS faculty and staff. Meet the creative and dedicated individuals who make every day a great day at FLVS!
The role of lead teacher at Florida Virtual School is one of expertise and support for the content area they serve.
Instructors work closely with their Lead Teacher to ensure best practices in the classroom are maintained and innovations applied when the need presents itself. Another important support provided by the lead is vacation coverage for instructors. As the lead is well-versed in their content area, the coverage is seamless and students know that they have someone to ask questions to during their teacher’s vacation.
Theresa Bauman is the Lead Teacher for FLVS Parenting Skills and has been in this position for three years.
She is a veteran of the United States Army and served in Washington, DC during her service tenure. Moving into education years later, she earned her master’s degree in education applying her real-world experience with the ever-changing landscape of our schools. Continue reading