Florida Education Foundation

Last week, I shared a newsletter with teachers celebrating the outstanding results from our first round of progress monitoring—a reflection of our teachers’ dedication, parents’ engagement and our students’ hard work. I also highlighted the opportunities available through the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, which helps students practice civil discourse and sharpen their reasoning skills. And in recognition of Victims of Communism Day, the newsletter encouraged 9th–12th grade teachers to have their students read Animal Farm to deepen their understanding of the dangers of communism and the abuse of power. View the newsletter at: fldoe.org/file/5306/cak-…

One of the most impactful initiatives advancing civics and civil discourse in our nation is the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI). Across Florida, students are not just reading about civics—they’re practicing it through respectful debate and dialogue. Since its 2020 launch, FCDI has grown from just 59 teams in 11 districts to over 330 teams in all 67 districts statewide.

Escambia County High School has produced some true champions, like Emmitt Smith, Trent Richardson and Shelby Cecil Sammons. Let’s rally together to celebrate their legacy by winning the @TMobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest! Vote once daily to bring the win home to Florida. t-mobile.com/brand/friday-n…

Escambia County High School, a Title I school, needs our help to win the $1 million @TMobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest! Vote below once a day and help @Escambiafb, the only Florida school left in the competition, update their athletic facilities! t-mobile.com/brand/friday-n…

The FCDI Championship trophy will now bear the name of Charlie Kirk, honoring his commitment to civic dialogue and open debate. With FCDI teams in all 67 Florida districts, students across the state are learning to engage in respectful, civil discourse and debate, which Charlie Kirk championed and are vital to sustaining our constitutional republic.

Our 2025 Sunshine State Scholars had the chance to engage with top industry leaders during the Career Panel at #SunshineStateScholars! From tech to healthcare to engineering, today's discussions sparked ideas and opportunities for Florida's brightest minds.

Today marks the official start of the 2025 Sunshine State Scholars program! We want to extend a special thank you to all our incredible sponsors. Your support makes it possible to celebrate and invest in Florida’s brightest STEM students. #SunshineStateScholars #FutureSTEMLeaders

Florida's National Summit on School Safety closed with a powerful panel featuring families of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Thank you to all who joined us—together, we are making a difference. #FNSSS2025 #MSDStrong

Today, DJJ Secretary Eric Hall took part in the National Summit on School Safety hosted by @EducationFL. Watch the Summit's full opening remarks here: bit.ly/3XkrlR6

We're back for Day 2 of Florida's National Summit on School Safety, ready for another day of insightful discussions and collaboration! #FNSSS2025

The #FNSSS2025 is underway, uniting education leaders and security experts from across the nation. This morning we were honored to recognize Mike Baumaister from Pasco County as the 2025 Florida School Safety Specialist of the Year!

Literacy is the foundation for successful students! This week, members of @EducationFL visited students at Crawfordville Elementary School to read books and celebrate a love for reading! #CelebrateLiteracyWeek

As Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! concludes, let’s continue fostering a culture of reading across Florida. We extend our gratitude to @PNCBank for sponsoring this week and supporting the literacy development of Florida’s students. 📷 #FLCelebratesLiteracy

We’re kicking off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! This annual event highlights the importance of literacy and inspires a love for reading in students and families. A special thank you to @PNCBank for making this week possible. 💙📘 #FLCelebratesLiteracy

From January 27–31, join us in celebrating the power of reading. Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! encourages students and families to make reading a daily habit. Thank you @PNCBank, for making this week impactful for Florida’s students and educators. #CelebrateLiteracyWeekFL

The stage is set for the 2025 National Civics and Debate Championship, hosted by the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative! Over the weekend, students from across the nation will showcase their knowledge, leadership and debate skills. Stay tuned for event updates! 🏆

We are so excited to welcome 420 students from Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada to Orlando later this week for The Great Debate 2025! TheGreatDebateFL.com

As we celebrate this festive season, the Florida Education Foundation Team would like to thank our friends and partners for your dedication and support in advancing education. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright and hopeful New Year!

It's National First Responders Day! From nurses and emergency medical technicians to firefighters and law enforcement officers, they play an essential role in our communities. Let’s honor their dedication by exploring their real-life experiences discovered through books.

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11, 2001. As we reflect on this day, we also recognize the resilience of our nation and the strength found in unity. #NeverForget #Remembrance #FloridaEducation