Recorded Sessions
The Charter Support Unit is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the planners of the Florida Charter School Conference to bring you recorded sessions from the 2022 Florida Charter School Conference.

These sessions were recorded live at the conference, therefore the audio is not always the best quality. We’ve attempted to edit and tweak them where possible, and also have added clear views of the slides for the slides which were submitted to the conference planners.

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.charterschoolconference.com/2022/

  • A Guide to Getting Your Finances and Facilities Planning Right

    Understand how to assess your school’s financial health and create a facilities plan that can ensure your school’s future for years to come.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Shannon Falon, Vice President, HJ Sims
      • Mr. Scott Sznitken, Executive Director, Franklin Academy
      • Mr. Richard Moreno, President, Building Hope Services

  • B.E.S.T. ELA Standards Overview and Resources for Effective Implementation

    Join us for an overview of the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards for English Language Arts (ELA), along with helpful resources to effectively implement the B.E.S.T. ELA Standards. Participants will be introduced to PreK-12 Literacy Instruction Practice Profiles, K-5 School Leader’s Literacy Walkthrough Tool, K-5 Student Center Activities, Parent Guides for B.E.S.T. ELA Standards and more!

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Lindsey Brown, Executive Director of Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education
      • Ms. Paige Michael, Executive Director of State Regional Literacy Directors, Florida Department of Education

  • Charter School Funding Through the Florida Education Finance Program

    This presentation is an introductory overview of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which is the primary source of operating funds for all K–12 public schools in Florida. Other topics covered will be the reporting of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, new legislation, class size reduction funding, class size compliance and the charter revenue worksheet.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. James Andrews, , Florida Department of Education Office of Funding and Financial Reporting

  • CPALMS Overview and What’s New

    Join us to learn about CPALMS, Florida’s source for the standards, course descriptions, thousands of vetted teacher-created resources, and several award-winning tools.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Rabieh Razzouk, Director, CPALMS
      • Mrs. Susan Cragg, Special Events and Professional Development Coordinator, CPALMS

  • Creating a Robust Pipeline of Quality Charter School Principals

    In partnership with the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Charter School Alliance created the School Leaders Fellowship to help develop a robust pipeline of effective and visionary charter school leaders interested in leading a school in a high-need area. Supported by a CSP grant, the program uses real-world scenarios to expose participants to charter school operations, budgeting, data analysis, district and community relations, and more. Learn about the program from the Class of 2022 School Leaders Fellows and meet the Class of 2023.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Support, Florida Department of Education
      • Mr. Cameron Frazier, 2022 School Leaders Fellow, Founder & Principal, Becoming Collegiate Academy, Duval County
      • Mrs. Lynn Norman-Tech, Executive Director, Florida Charter School Alliance

  • Developing Your School Culture

    Principals strive to build a culture that is safe, welcoming, and inspiring to the students and staff who walk through the school’s doors, especially after returning from the pandemic. This school culture can be achieved with a better understanding of your technical and adaptive challenges, and building community amongst students and staff.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Damian Rosado, School Principal, Edward W. Bok Academy South
      • Ms. Chenia Thate, Administrative Dean, Edward W. Bok Academy South

  • Educator Recruitment Update

    This presentation will be focused on educator recruitment efforts. Department staff will provide an update on current initiatives and participants will engage in dialogue focused on successes, challenges and solutions.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Ginnie Whitaker, Senior Program Director, Educator Recruitment & Recognition, Florida Department of Education

  • ESSER Grants Galore! Managing Any Grant for Success!

    Join us to learn how to write a good grant budget, purchase effectively and report your expenses in order to ensure reimbursement!

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms Trisha Leitem, Assistant Director of Charter School Services, Building Hope
      • Ms. Ann Levene-Eisenberg, Executive Director, Palm Beach School for Autism

  • Everything You Need to Know About CAPE

    Whether you are new to CTE or seasoned, this session will provide all you need to know about Florida’s Career and Professional Education Act (aka CAPE Act), including major program and funding components, as well as information on accurate data reporting and test administration requirements.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Kaitlin Vickers, CAPE Industry Certification Manager, Florida Department of Education

  • Facility Development Challenges in Today’s Economy ‘Post-Covid’

    Covid has left a lasting impact on the facility development process for charter schools. Paul will discuss the current challenges facing the design and construction market and present strategies for mitigating those challenges for a successful building project, no matter how large or small.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Paul Mussman, President, Mussman Architects

  • FDOE Update

    FDOE representatives will provide an update on changes — legislative and otherwise — affecting Florida charter schools.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Support, Florida Department of Education

  • Forge Relationships with Government Leaders

    Hear a panel discussion on how to forge and strengthen relationships with government leaders, regardless of political affiliation, at the national, state, local and school board levels. Ensure that government leaders know your school and have factual charter school information so that, if issues arise impacting your school, there is already a line of communication established.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
      • Dr. Alan Hall, CEO, San Jose Schools
      • Mr. Ron Rice, Senior Director Government Relations, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
      • Ms. Lesley Veto, CEO, Literacy, Leadership, Technology Academy

  • From Engagement to Empowerment

    In this presentation, attendees will learn effective strategies to identify opportunities for family engagement, strengthen current outreach initiatives and build a culture that moves every parent and student toward empowerment and ambassadorship.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Kassandra Alexander Elekes, Director of Family Engagement and Storytelling, Foundation for Florida’s Future

  • I Want Their Personal Emails and Texts! Preparing for Public Records Requests in 2022

    This presentation is focused on informing participants about their obligations under Florida’s Public Records Act and providing functional tips to prepare charter school operators for public records requests. The presenters will also cover various components that should be covered in each charter school’s public records policy.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. John Leombruno, Attorney, Arnold Law Firm
      • Mr. Braxton Padgett, Attorney, Arnold Law Firm

  • Implementing an Explicit Phonics-based Program K-6

    This presentation will help curriculum decision-makers understand the value of an explicit phonics approach to instruction and the reading, writing, and spelling benefits that await their school with the implementation of a program such as this.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Kelly Gunter, Director of School Operations, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy
      • Ms. Nicole Roberts, Director of Literacy Curriculum and Instruction, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy

  • Innovation through Classical Education

    Classical Education, most influential minds for centuries. As educators, we are challenged to continuously innovate our practices, but perhaps innovating can mean bringing back something tried and true, implementing it using new resources and accommodating for modern challenges.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Janine Swearingin, Director of Academics, OptimaEd
      • Dr. David Withun, Head of School, Jacksonville Classical Academy
      • Mrs. Erika Donalds, CEO, Executive Director, OptimaEd

  • Launch Year Training: Starting Your School on The Right Path

    The Launch Year Training is a support network for schools opening next year or beyond. This workshop will be the first meeting of our new cohort. We will review a variety of issues and provide a detailed to-do-list of things you need to focus on to ensure a successful opening.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Trisha Leitem, Director of Charter School Operations, Building Hope
      • Christine Mentis, Services Manger, Charter Support Unit
      • Catherine Rodriguez, Head of School, Dreamers Academy

  • Let’s Take a Walk: Setting Impactful Look-fors for Classroom Learning Walks that Lead to School Improvement

    In this presentation the lead for the FLDOE Bureau of School Improvement’s Field Team will discuss how to maximize classroom learning walks through a tight lens of instructional look-fors that will lead to positive change in teacher practice. Participants will be actively engaged in a systemic process of developing school specific look-fors to maximize efficiency and impact of instruction.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dustin Sims, Lead Executive Director, Bureau of School Improvement, Florida Department of Education

  • Leveraging Google Workspace to Support Teachers, Students, and Families

    Explore how the tools provided by Google Workspace for Education can be used to support teachers, students, and families. Learn from a Google for Education Certified Trainer how to maximize the effectiveness of Classroom, Forms, Drive, and more as an administrator.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Daniel Brennick, Assistant Principal, Literacy Leadership Technology Academy

  • Liability Minefields to Avoid

    A review of the top liability exposures that can put your school at risk. These exposures could have a significant impact on your school, employees, students, and even future enrollment. We’ll review claims and litigation trends in charter schools as well as proven risk management techniques that will help you avoid liability minefields and mitigate future risks.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Brent Grimmel, Senior Vice President, Agency Operations, Egis Insurance & Risk Advisors
      • Ismary Cardoso, Vice President, Egis Insurance & Risk Advisors
      • Ryan Rupnarain, Manager, Loss Control Services , Florida Insurance Alliance

  • Literacy Leadership and School Leader’s Literacy Walkthrough, K-5

    Schools need leaders to implement an effective school-wide literacy model, but how do you begin? Join us as we discuss key components of an effective literacy leadership, why it matters to students’ and teachers’ success, and how school leaders can drive effective literacy instruction in their schools. In addition, learn about a new School Leader’s Literacy Walkthrough tool! Aligned to Florida’s B.E.S.T. K-5 ELA Standards, this walkthrough tool will help your school’s literacy leadership team observe, reflect, and ensure high quality literacy instruction is happening in your schools.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Julie Baisden, Assistant in Research, Florida Center for Reading Research
      • Ms. Lindsey Brown, Executive Director of Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education

  • Literacy Leadership Teams: Effective Implementation of the B.E.S.T. ELA Standards

    In this workshop, participants will focus on strengthening their commitment to the Literacy Leadership Team, seeking continuous improvement and using tools to encourage action planning. Participants will also work collaboratively to reflect on school-wide systems of literacy support and instruction for effective implementation of the B.E.S.T. ELA Standards.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Iris Borghese, State Regional Literacy Director, Florida Department of Education
      • Paige Michael, Executive Director of State Regional Literacy Directors, Florida Department of Education

  • Literacy Policy and Initiatives to Support Educators with Improving Literacy Achievement

    Join the Florida Department of Education literacy staff to discuss and learn about the essential actions that are taking place to improve literacy achievement statewide. This presentation will also include updates on new literacy legislation that enhances and supports our continued focus to improve literacy outcomes for all.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Lindsey Brown, Executive Director of Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education
      • Ms. Paige Micheal, Executive Director of State Regional Literacy Directors, Florida Department of Education

  • Maximizing Your ELA Instruction to be the “B.E.S.T.”

    Participants will work collaboratively to establish a common understanding of the B.E.S.T. ELA benchmark demands and apply this understanding to established instructional criteria that will ensure benchmark demands and expectations are achieved.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Jacqueline Carey, State Regional Literacy Director, Florida Department of Education
      • Monica Reeves, Reading Specialist, Florida Department of Education, Just Read, Florida!
      • Rebecca Burnum, Reading Specalist, Florida Department of Education, Just Read, Florida!

  • Maximizing Your School’s CSP Grant Funding

    This presentation guides Charter School Program (CSP) grant subrecipients through required actions that must be completed to maximize a CSP grant award. Subrecipients will also learn how to prepare and submit CSP budget amendments.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Vicki Pineda, Charter Schools Director, Office of Independent Education & Parental Choice, Florida Department of Education
      • Mr. Horace Taylor, CSP Budget Analyst, Florida Department of Education

  • New Worlds Reading: Creating At-home Libraries for Eligible K-5 Students

    During this presentation participants will learn about the New Worlds Reading Initiatives and opportunities to support eligible children and families.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Shaunté Duggins, Assistant Director, UF Lastinger Center for Learning
      • Erika Fritz-Ochs, Engagement Manager, UF Lastinger Center for Learning

  • Now That We Have Them, How Do We Keep Them?

    This presentation will provide participants with a program to attract, support and retain a high-quality teacher workforce. The Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) is a formal school-site program to welcome and support new teachers. From Orientation Day to the End of Year timeline of activities will be shared. Participants will walk away with a comprehensive plan to implement at their school site.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Lisa Helfrich, Retired Resource Teacher, School District of Palm Beach County
      • Mrs. Judi Ackerman, Retired Classroom Teacher, School District of Palm Beach County
      • Mrs. Karla Branch, Resource Teacher, School District of Palm Beach County

  • Operating A Charter School

    New school applicants, new governing board members, experienced board members, administrators and business managers will all take something new from this presentation about charter school operations. Topics: School management, business services and board governance. Join us to hear from speakers with a variety of expertise, participate in Q&A and discover opportunities to continue the conversation post-conference.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Alan Hall, Chief Executive Officer, San Jose Schools Support
      • Amanda Glancy, Chief Operating Officer, San Jose Schools Support
      • Karen Stabile, San Jose SupportBethany Shelton, San Jose Schools Support
      • Bethany Shelton, San Jose Schools Support
      • Ryan Rewey, Superintendent, San Jose Schools

  • Put Your Oxygen Mask On First Before Assisting Others

    The idea of “putting your mask on first” is a simple, but often overlooked policy as leaders sacrifice their well-being in order to take care of their team. Using national and local research, participants will learn and identify stressors and simple solutions that they can put into place immediately.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Christina Hamlin, Deputy State Director Area 5 (Duval, Clay & Leon Counties), Charter Schools USA
      • Ms. Tracey Saxon, Director of School Support, Charter Schools USA
      • Mrs. Rachel Windler-Freitag, Deputy State Director Area 2 (Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Lee & Collier Counties), Charter Schools USA

  • Raising your ELA Scores through Writing: Simple and Easy

    This presentation will show teachers and administrators how to raise their school’s overall ELA scores through writing. Participants will learn that teaching writing is simple and increasing students’ writing skills can be accomplished in an uncomplicated way. Participants will be provided with research-based strategies to assist students at all learning levels.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Lisa Collum, Author/Owner, Top Score Writing, Inc.
      • Mrs. Jennifer Jones, Director of Curriculum and Training, Top Score Writing, Inc.
      • Mrs. Jill MacKenzie, Teacher, Coastal Middle and High School

  • Safety and Security Requirements for Charter Schools

    This presentation will focus on Florida’s legislative requirements addressing safety and security requirements and how those directly impact charter schools.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Brooks Rumenik, Deputy Director, Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education

  • School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) for Florida Charter Schools

    The presentation will include the basics of SESIR reporting, observations of data reporting trends, and best practices for quality data reporting.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Julie Collins, Office of Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education

  • So You Want to Build a Charter School?

    Building your own custom charter school facility is filled with more ups and downs than Chutes & Ladders, so we created a game-ified Masterclass to learn about the real-life challenges and triumphs first-hand. Participants compete to be the first charter school who opens on-time, on-budget, and on-mission!

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Sherilyn Moore, Chief Marketing Officer, Building Hope
      • Mr. Adam Koonin, Marketing Manager, Building Hope Real Estate
      • Mr. Andrew Ranieri, Director of Acquisitions, Building Hope Real Estate

  • Solving the Mystery of STEM

    Join the FDOE STEM Team to experience STEM and understand the power of a question when engaging students in learning. Learn how to embed Florida’s state academic standards within STEM experiences, both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Patricia Duncan, Director, STEM, Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support, Florida Department of Education
      • Ms. Ashley Harvey, Elementary Math Specialist, Florida Department of Education

  • Succession Matters! The Time for Succession Planning is Now

    Is your school prepared for a change in leadership? The Charter Support Unit has developed a Succession Planning tool to support charter schools through the process. Learn more about developing your leaders from within, communication through leadership change and developing a plan that puts your stakeholders at ease.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Curtis Fuller, Executive Director, Charter Support Unit
      • Ms. Kathleen Schoenberg, Attorney & Governance Trainer, Kathleen W. Schoenberg Governance Training
      • Mr. Ardonnis Lumpkin, Executive Director, Eagles’ Nest Community Charter Schools
      • Ms. Christine Mentis, Services Manager, Charter Support Unit

  • Teachers as Facilitators: Engaging All Students in the Process of Learning 

    Engaging students in the learning process increases their attention and focus, motivates them to practice higher-level critical thinking skills, and promotes meaningful learning experiences. This interactive presentation provides participants an opportunity to:  Reflect on current instructional practices. Explore approaches that motivate and engage students in deeper learning. Gain new strategies that promote active learning.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Rachael Havey, Senior Director, Professional Learning, Cognia
      • Ms. Dayna Morales, Principal, Union Park Charter Academy
      • Mrs. Yolanda Thomas, Director of Strategy, Charter Schools USA

  • Technology of a Flipped Classroom

    Learn how to integrate technology into the classroom that will be beneficial to all students and teachers. We will teach you to integrate technology into the classroom by utilizing the Flipped Classroom model through Google Classroom and EdPuzzle. These programs can be used in all K-12th grade classrooms on any scale (Beginner-Advanced.)

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Jamie Woods, Educator, Emma Jewel Charter Academy

  • The Florida College System and Charter Schools

    There has been a merging of the Florida College System and charter schools in the past year. More and more colleges are launching their own charter schools, or partnerships with charter schools, while others are considering the new authority colleges and universities have to authorize charter schools. We discuss what’s happened in the last year and look to the implications this has for the charter school sector in Florida.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of Independent Education and Parental Support, Florida Department of Education
      • Mr. Henry Mack, Senior Chancellor, Florida Department of Education

  • The Path to Success: Refining Your Practice through Continuous Improvement

    Engaging in continuous improvement inspires forward-thinking transformational change and new opportunities. Attend this presentation to explore what continuous improvement means and how to strive for continuous improvement at your institution. Hear how AcadeMir Charter Schools, Inc practitioners and Cognia partners embark on the continuous improvement journey.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Rachael Havey, Senior Director, Professional Learning, Cognia
      • Mrs. Susie Bello, Principal, AcadeMir Charter School West
      • Mr. Antonio Cejas, Principal, AcadeMir Charter Schools, Inc.

  • There’s an MTR for that!

    Join the B.E.S.T. Math team to discuss the Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning Standards (MTRs), and how they can be implemented within ALL classrooms. Learn about the B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics and best practices so that soon you’ll be saying “There’s an MTR for that!”.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Ashley Harvey, Elementary Math Specialist, Florida Department of Education

  • Transition Guidance

    This presentation is an overview of a Transition Guide that has been developed by the CLE in order to better inform and support school development in the area of Transition for students with disabilities.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Stacie Kurtz, , Center for Learner Equity

  • Understanding the Science of Learning to Provide Academic Equity for Students With Disabilities and Multilingual Learners

    The Science of Learning is cognitive-science research on how students learn. Academic equity is the pursuit of creating an educational system that caters to students of all kinds. This workshop will detail instructional strategies rooted in the science of learning to help Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learners grow academically.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Liliana Salazar, National Director for Special Education and Student Support, Academica

  • Writing Successful and Effective IEPs

    The primary purpose of this presentation is to provide information that will support the development of successful and effective individual educational plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.

    • Conference: 2022 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Sallie Payne, Coordinator, ESE Special Projects, Florida Diagnostic Learning & Resources Systems (FDLRS)