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Lakeland High School and Florida Southern College Collaborate to Launch New Educator Academy

The Polk County Public Schools have proudly announced the formation of the Educator Academy, a groundbreaking new initiative developed between Lakeland High School and Florida Southern College. This program aims to inspire and equip a new generation of educators, making significant strides in teacher preparation and educational innovation.

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of this initiative, where 55 ambitious students from grades 9-12 will embark on an educational journey tailored specifically for those interested in the teaching profession. Traditionally focused on theoretical learning, this academy's approach incorporates hands-on training, ensuring that students not only learn about education but also experience it firsthand.

Under the framework of SAIL (Serious About Innovative Learning) and CTE (Career and Technical Education), Lakeland High School students will have the opportunity to select the Educator Academy as their elective each spring. Moreover, students residing outside the school's established attendance zone can participate through the School Choice Priority Window, which usually occurs from mid-January to mid-February each academic year.

Alain Douge, the principal of Lakeland High School, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "This partnership will inspire our students and provide them with pathways to pursue careers within education. As a Florida Southern graduate, I can personally attest that our students will derive immense benefit from this first-class opportunity, preparing them for future careers through both Polk County Public Schools and Florida Southern College. Their journey includes learning from expert educators, while cultivating the necessary skills and passion to create a lasting impact in their own communities."

From their freshman year, students enrolled in the Educator Academy will experience immersive classroom environments facilitated through the Florida Southern College’s esteemed School of Education. Their education will include practical placements involving Roberts Academy, FSC's specialized institution for children with dyslexia, along with various positions across Polk County public schools.

As they progress, students can earn articulated credits and dual enrollment opportunities sufficient to complete five college-level education courses by the time they graduate from high school. Throughout the program, academy participants will engage with Florida Southern faculty, tackle authentic educational coursework, and hone the professional skills needed to become impactful leaders in the classroom.

Dr. Tracey Tedder, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Florida Southern College, emphasized the academy's commitment to innovative teaching methods, stating, "The Educator Academy illustrates our dedication to collaborative approaches in teacher preparation. By connecting high school students with experienced college faculty and real-world classroom experiences, we are fostering early development of confidence, capability, and a focused ambition for careers in education."

This new Educator Academy is just the beginning of an exciting partnership between Lakeland High School and Florida Southern College. Through this initiative, students will receive an authentic introduction to the teaching profession, all while contributing to a stronger pipeline of dedicated educators to serve Polk County and beyond well into the future. This collaboration exemplifies a proactive step toward addressing the current demand for qualified educators in an increasingly complex educational landscape.

As the program unfolds, both institutions anticipate witnessing the transformative impact this innovative partnership will have on aspiring educators, ultimately shaping the future of education in the region.