Online instruction

How Teamwork Makes the Dream Work at FLVS

By Guest Blogger on August 4th, 2020

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) employs more than 1,800 instructors across our spectrum of educational models. Each one of those instructors is driven by a passion to empower students of all ability levels regardless of their circumstances or specific challenges. The need many families face to keep some normalcy in their children’s education during COVID-19 has been seamlessly and enthusiastically met by FLVS instructors and leadership.

Our instructors are among the best in the nation! An essential part of why we are able to exceed expectations and deliver a superior educational experience is the culture of cooperation and teaming among our stellar educators.

Planning Tips for Teachers Moving Online

By Florida Virtual School on June 8th, 2020

As the majority of Florida’s education system transitioned online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much focus has rightly been on helping students cope, both academically and emotionally. However, teachers who teach in a traditional classroom setting have also made the transition, in emergency conditions, and require support.

We know engaged teacher-student interaction is important to parents. To help that interaction continue, FLVS has tips to help teachers manage their online classroom, with tools they can use when they return to their normal classroom setting.

Creating Social Presence Amid Social Distance

By April Fleetwood on April 24th, 2020

Like most educators in the past weeks, I’ve been thinking about students across the state of Florida, particularly students who have little to no experience with online learning. My mind also wanders to their teachers and the fast-paced transition to online teaching and learning each of them has been facing.

Things to LOVE about Live Video Lessons

By Cara Piper on February 12th, 2020

As you may know, FLVS recently started using Zoom for our live instruction – a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and live interaction. As with any change, this has taken some getting used to, but I am really loving this new tool for interacting with my students and families! Continue reading

Meet an Economics Teacher at FLVS

By Guest Blogger 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!

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 Team Blog Series

By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on December 28th, 2016

Have you ever thought about becoming an FLVS instructor? Or wondered what it’s like to be a lead teacher or principal at a virtual school?

Maybe you want to know more about the different staff members that support our instructional team. From counselors to learning coaches to curriculum specialists, our team has some amazing talent!

To celebrate the 2016-17 school year, we have been sharing posts all semester long featuring FLVS faculty and staff. Everyone on our team is passionate about delivering a high-quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success. Want to learn more? Browse the following posts to meet the creative and dedicated individuals who make every day a great day at FLVS.

Let us know who else you would like to see featured in the comments below! Continue reading

Meet our College Recruiting and Diversity Staffing Specialist

By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on November 29th, 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 you know that FLVS has a college internship program that draws in students from all over the state of Florida who are looking to become virtual educators? Well, we do!

The College Recruiting and Diversity Staffing Coordinator serves as the guru for the FLVS Intern program, all college recruiting, and assists with diversity recruiting efforts. The Coordinator identifies and targets colleges and their teacher-prep programs, and organizations to improve the diversity of FLVS recruiting pipeline. The Coordinator also develops and leads a strategic instructional internship program designed to grow FLVS talent into the digital future.

The FLVS guru who leads this program has made a name for herself over the years. Dawn Towle is known for her rapier wit and brilliant smile. In past years, she has performed at the FLVS Talent Show demonstrating her penchant for stand-up comedy that is inspired by her love of education.

It is my honor to introduce you Dawn Towle, College Recruiting and Diversity Staffing Specialist. Continue reading

Meet an FLVS Academic Integrity Manager

By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on November 16th, 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!

Do you know what the word “integrity” means? It means to be honest and to have honor.

At FLVS, integrity means everything. We instill the importance of academic integrity throughout a student’s time in our courses. Students and parents review our academic integrity policy upon registering for courses, teachers talk about integrity with families in the Welcome Call, and students are reminded of being honorable with most every point of contact during the course.

The position of FLVS Academic Integrity (AI) Manager is one immersed in the search for truth and the tenacity for teaching integrity to students in a meaningful manner.

Here’s the job description for an AI Manager at FLVS:

The Academic Integrity Manager manages the Academic Integrity program at FLVS. The Academic Integrity Manager communicates academic integrity policies and procedures to be implemented by FLVS instructional staff. Continue reading

Meet an FLVS Curriculum Specialist

By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on November 7th, 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 you know that FLVS develops our own curriculum for courses?

The Curriculum Innovation Department works from concept to course delivery to provide an exemplary academic experience. The role of a curriculum specialist is to collaborate with his/her project team to create course content that aligns with the state standards and also engages the learner.

Christina Steele has been with FLVS for eight years and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles. Coming on board as an Earth Space Science instructor, she eventually took this expertise and became a literacy coach for several years. Therefore, moving to the Curriculum Department was a seamless move, as she uses her expansive literacy and science knowledge to support rigorous content for a variety of FLVS courses.

It is my honor to introduce you to Christina Steele. Continue reading