Number of homeschool students grows in Florida
In Florida, the latest data shows 155,000 students participated in homeschool during the 2023-2024 school year. In the last five years, that number has increased by 46%. Parents used dedicated homeschool funds on a number of activities to balance out their students' education [Source: Spectrum News]
See also:
» How are vouchers affecting Florida education? Schools assess the impact.
» School-choice law reshapes Collier education options
AI is changing how dental students learn, and Florida is leading the way
At the University of Florida College of Dentistry, artificial intelligence isn’t doing the thinking for students — it’s helping them think smarter. Instructional designer Carrie Wells, Ed.D., is working with faculty to turn AI into a learning partner and helping students prepare for the rapidly shifting world of dentistry. She is asking: How do we harness AI’s game-changing capabilities to elevate students’ practical skills without undermining critical thinking? [Source: UF News]
Florida Department of Education reports 17.7% drop in teacher vacancies for 2025–2026 school year
The Florida Department of Education announced today that teacher vacancies for the 2025-2026 school year have decreased by 17.7% compared to the previous year, marking a nearly 30% reduction over the past two years. This decrease in vacancies is attributed to several initiatives aimed at attracting teaching talent to Florida. The state has invested over $5.9 billion in teacher pay increases and created new pathways for individuals to enter the teaching profession. [Source: Action News Jax]
North Florida College launches new agriculture program
With agriculture driving billions into Florida’s economy, North Florida College is launching a new two-year Agriculture Management program in the fall to meet rising workforce demands. The program will offer hands-on training for students pursuing careers in everything from farm operations to agricultural sales, according to the Dean of Workforce Initiatives, David Dunkle. “We need to make sure the workforce is ready for the industry,” Dunkle said. [Source: WCTV]
Too many 'A' grades? Critics call for more rigorous scoring for Florida public schools
In the future, the Florida Department of Education may make it harder for schools to keep their 'A' or 'B' grades. Under state law, the grading scale must be recalculated if more than 75% of high schools get an 'A' or 'B' grade. Statewide, 81% of all high schools passed that threshold, and locally, 88% of high schools were given an 'A' or 'B' score. [Source: WPTV]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Saint Leo University names Dr. Jim Burkee as President
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees announced August 5 that it has elected Dr. Jim Burkee as the 12th president of the university, following the retirement of Dr. Edward Dadez in February. Burkee is the current president at Avila University in Kansas City, MO, and brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Saint Leo University. During Burkee’s three years as president at Avila, he tripled the university’s student enrollment, strengthened its academic offerings through partnerships, and raised more than $34 million in philanthropic support.
› Central Florida public, private schools differ in criteria, education, compensation for teachers, cost
Public school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, complete a state-approved teacher program, pass the state-required teacher certification examinations and undergo a background check. Many teachers at private institutions like The Geneva School have degrees but not all; however, they all must be considered "masters" in their subject matter
› SeaWorld is inviting all Florida teachers to the park with free admission
While the school year is rapidly approaching for Florida teachers, they still have an opportunity to celebrate the summer season a little longer. SeaWorld Orlando is offering free unlimited admission to its theme park for active and Florida-certified teachers until early September. Teachers can register for the free SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card online through ID.me and the SeaWorld website.
› 'Embarrassing' to 'excellent': FAMU trustees' evaluations expose deep divides
Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees clearly were not all on the same page while grading themselves in this year’s self-evaluation, and their review of former interim President Timothy Beard’s performance also revealed deep divides. While average scores in the board’s self-assessment dropped compared to last year, Beard was given a mixture of both positive and downright poor reviews from trustees.