Providing Choice: A Florida Charter School Alliance Podcast

On this episode, we feature Jonathan Hage, founder and CEO of Charter Schools USA. For three decades, he has focused on expanding school choice and developing charter schools designed to give families more educational options. We spoke to Jon about the inception of charter schools in Florida, how parents drive the movement, the lessons he's learned building schools and communities across the country, and the future of K–12 education.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice, we turn the reigns over to the incredible students at SLAM Charter Middle/High School and SLAM! Radio - Larry Milian's incredible students talk to Dr. Andrea Zayas, The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' Chief of Engagement & Partnerships, live on SiriusXM and we've for the fantastic recording of it. SLAM Radio is the first satellite radio station in the country run by high school students - and this is not only a great and fun conversation - this is an example of ground breaking education transforming the way students learn.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

From Educator to Leader: How Doral College's Master's & Modified Programs Fast-Track Your Path to Florida Principal Licensure Cristina Romero, VP for Student Affairs at Doral College, talks with us about their innovative Master's in Educational Leadership program and Modified Educational Leadership Curriculum—designed to prepare educators who already hold graduate degrees in the field. These programs provide a pathway to becoming highly effective educational leaders, successfully passing the FELE, and earning Level 1 Leadership licensure in the State of Florida.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice, we hear from Rob Warholic, the founder of BRJ Restoration. Specializing in asbestos abatement, water damage, mold remediation, and demolition, they handle multiple trades in-house—cutting delays and keeping projects moving. Their approach is safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible, serving schools across Florida. Rob is the one you call when the job has to be done right.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

For more information on RBJ Restoration visit: https://brjrestoration.com/

Join the FCSA for episode 2 of a new three-part series on transforming school facilities into vibrant community hubs. Guests Geri Chaffee (Dreamers Academy), Alma Ollva (United Way Suncoast), Tina Smith (Highmark School Development), and Suzanne Metzgar (Leadwell Partners) share expert insights on designing educational spaces that promote academic achievement and community well-being.

To learn more about our guests and access the resources mentioned in this episode, click the links below.

Dreamers Academy

Highmark School Development

Leadwell Partners

National Family Support Network

Newtown Family Center

United Way Suncoast,Alice Report 2025

United Way Suncoast

Join FCSA for a new three-part series on transforming school facilities into vibrant community hubs.

In Episode 1, hear from Geri Chaffee (Dreamers Academy), Alma Ovalle (United Way Suncoast), Tina Smith (Highmark School Development), and Suzanne Metzgar (Leadwell Partners) as they share expert insights on designing educational spaces that promote academic achievement and community well-being.

Throughout the series, we'll explore trends in school facility use, strategies to expand community support, and practical steps to fund and implement high-impact initiatives.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leaders who are making school-centered communities a reality—boosting equity, access, health, and student success.

On this episode of Providing Choice, we learn about Special Event Risk Management from the experts at the Florida Insurance Alliance and Egis Insurance and Risk Advisors, Ryan Rupnarian & Brent Grimmel. This is an important topic for charter school leaders who plan proms, fundraisers, and special events on and off campus.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

Grades aren't the only measure of success. While they offer a familiar performance benchmark, they don't capture the full picture. On this episode of Providing Choice, Dr. Jessica Barr contextualizes NAEP scores and explores charter school achievements and learning gains that recent NAEP data doesn't reflect.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

March 2025 marks five years since the COVID-19 lockdowns began. While many headlines focus on what's not working in education, we will highlight what is working at Florida charter schools. In this episode, Adriana Diaz-Garcia, Principal of Somerset Academy Palms in Miami-Dade, talks about student achievement and acceleration on campus and their journey to becoming a "High Performing" school and earning a"Florida School of Excellence" award.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

On the episode of Providing Choice, Jim Horne talks about the upcoming 2025 Florida Legislative Session and gives parents and educators tips for reaching out to legislators. As a State Senator and Commissioner of Education, Jim Horne has played a pivotal role in advancing Florida's school choice movement and policies that empowered students and parents. Throughout his career, Jim's unwavering commitment to educational reform has earned him widespread respect as a national leader in education policy, a tireless advocate, and a trusted ally.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

A quick interview with Teacher of the Year, Shereen Reid, as FCSA Executive Director Lynn Norman-Teck visits her class and they sit for a fantastic talk about what inspires Shereen on Providing Choice: The Florida Charter School Alliance Podcast

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice, a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast series, Dr. Tony Arza discusses what the Returning Education to Our States Act means to Florida and charter schools. The Bill, introduced by Senator Rounds of South Dakota, proposes the redistribution of programs from the U.S. Department of Education to other federal departments.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide.

#FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

Last night's results and what they mean for Charter Schools - Dr. Tony Arza on The Florida Charter School Alliance podcast , Providing Choice, discusses last night's election and what it means for schools of choice, with Executive Director Lynn Norman-Teck

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

Meet Ryan Lamping and his team at Amergis - they are providing long-term solutions to challenging staffing shortages at schools nationwide. In this episode, Ryan explains how they find critical staff — from teachers, nurses, paraprofessionals, behavior services professionals, and even cafeteria staff — for Florida school districts and charter schools. Learn more about Amergis at www.amergis.com or visit Marketplace at www.flcharteralliance.org

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

The FCSA's School Leaders Fellowship trains future charter school administrators. Funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Education, the Fellowship prepares participants to successfully lead a charter school, and connects them with veteran and novice principals to create a network of experts and colleagues they can rely on. In this episode, you'll hear from a recent Fellowship graduate, Eileen Maytin. She is currently the Assistant Principal at BridgePrep Academy Village Green in Miami-Dade County.

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

The FCSA School Leaders Fellowship trains future charter school administrators. Funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Education, the Fellowship prepares participants to successfully take the reigns of a charter school and connects them with veteran and novice principals to create a network of experts and colleagues they can rely on. On this episode you'll meet Elwood R. Thompson, graduate of the School Leaders Fellowship.

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

The FCSA School Leaders Fellowship trains future charter school administrators. On this episode you'll meet Shavonna Daniels, a graduate of the School Leaders Fellowship, Cohort3. Funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Education, the Fellowship prepares participatns to successfully take the reigns of a charter school and connects them with veteran and novice princpals to create a network of experts and colleagues they can rely on. #CharterSchool #FCSA #floridaCharterschool

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

The FCSA plays a critical role in ensuring that charter schools -- their students and teachers -- are represented during the state legislative session. On this episode, Dr. Tony Arza provides a recap of the 2024 Florida Legislative Session and highlights key bills that will impact charter schools.

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

For National Charter Schools Week - our talk with Christian Graham, a math teacher and football coach at Duval Charters at Baymeadows. He is also an alumnus. In the episode, we speak with Mr. Graham about how his love of football and mathematics brought him back to his alma mater. #CharterSchoolsWeek

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

In honor of National School Choice Week, we want to highlight two spectacular charter school teachers, who returned to their Alma Mater to teach: Aiysha Everett and Courtney Herbert. These two young women are making a big impact on their community -- teaching at @Somerset Prep Academy Middle and Somerset Academy Miramar Charter School and connecting with students through a shared experience. #AiyshaEverett #CourtneyHerbert #SomersetPrepAcademyMiddle #FCSC22 #SomersetAcademyMiramarCharterSchool #fcsc22 #charter #parents #schoolchoice #parentalchoice #charterschool #parentpower #charterschools #educationchoice #Education #FCSA #FloridaCharterSchool #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

Ashley Cary from Hubrich Construction spoke with FCSA about their unique approach to school facility development -- streamlining the financing, design and construction of educational charter school facilities into a timely, cost-effective and high quality process. Their work begins with preparing the infrastructure, then continuing to manage a project through to the final completion and occupancy for an exceptional outcome. #HubrichConstruction #charter #parents #schoolchoice #parentalchoice #charterschool #parentpower #charterschools #educationchoice #Education #FCSA #FloridaCharterSchool #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance

TechnologyLab, a FCSA Marketplace partner, is the go-to IT experts for many charter schools. Their team not only provides simplified and effective IT solutions for schools but their research and development specialists understand what charter school teachers and students need in the classroom today and what they'll need in the future. Learn more about TechnologyLab on our Marketplace page at flcharteralliance.org.

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

FCSA got a chance to broadcast LIVE from the Academica Media booth at the 2022 Florida Charter School Conference and here's our talk with Dr. Tony Arza of the District/Charter Collaborative. The FCSA developed the Collaborative with a grant from FLDOE.

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

FCSA got a chance to broadcast live from the Academica Media booth at the 2022 Florida Charter School Conference. Here's our talk with Julie Stewart, Vice Principal of Everglades Preparatory Academy and 2022 School Leaders Fellowship graduate#Charterschool #FCSC22 #fcsc22 #charter #parents #schoolchoice #parentalchoice #charterschool #parentpower #charterschools #educationchoice #Education #FCSA #FloridaCharterSchool #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

Celebrating National Charter Schools Week, FCSA Executive Director Lynn Norman-Teck talks to Charter School alumni Yenesis Alvarez & Stephanie Consuegra about their experiences in college and how their Charter High School experience at Mater High prepared them for higher learning. #NationalCharterSchoolsWeek #CharterLove #CharterSchoolsWeek #parentpower #floridacharterschoolalliance #FCSA #MaterAcademy #MaterMiddleandHigh

The voice of the charter school movement, the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is non-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to improve student achievement, teacher quality, and promote parental choice by advocating for, supporting, defending, and collaborating with public charter schools.

Our member schools serve approximately 58% of the charter school student population in Florida and run the gamut of choice educational programs – ranging from urban to rural campuses, from programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.

There are more than 341,900 public charter school students in Florida. If Florida charter schools were a district, it would be the 2nd largest school district in the state. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA

www.flcharteralliance.org

North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean invited students from SLAM North to a "Ladies who lead" breakfast recently where local politicians discussed the importance of public service. On this episode, three SLAM North students talk about the event and how it impacted and inspired them.

On this episode of Providing Choice, we had a great conversation with Karla Rodriguez, Principal, and Paola Espinosa, Assistant Principal, at AcadeMir Charter School in Miami Dade County. We spoke about their National Blue Ribbon Award, building a great relationship with parents, and lessons learned during the pandemic.

#CharterSchools #Education #FloridaCharterSchools

Hosted by the FCSA's Lynn Norman-Teck, Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida.

The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

In September 2021, the Florida Charter School Alliance – in partnership with the Florida Department of Education – launched the District/Charter Collaborative. The first initiative of its kind in Florida, the Collaborative brings together district and charter school educational leaders to share best practices.

We spoke with Raphael Arza, who is coordinating the District and Charter Collaborative with the Florida Charter School Alliance in partnership with the Florida Department of Education. Please have a listen and for more just click on the link below.

https://flcharterschool.org/several-district-charter-collaboration-meetings-scheduled-for-september-2021/

Hosted by the FCSA's Lynn Norman-Teck, Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida.

The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

Tunji Williams is a passionate educator and charter school principal. When a Congressional Representative attacked charter schools in an op-ed, Mr. Williams fired back – sharing facts about the charter school he oversees and the community it serves. "We serve a low-income, minority-majority population. About 90 percent of our 586 students are Black and zoned to attend Title I district schools. Our K-5 elementary school earned an A grade from the state prior to the pandemic, and the middle school received a B," Williams explains in the op-ed published by the Florida Times-Union. Click here to read his op-ed. https://flcharterschool.org/guest-column-charter-schools-are-good-for-our-community/

Hosted by the FCSA's Lynn Norman-Teck, Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida.

The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of charter schools in Florida, we spoke with those involved in the movement. On this episode, we hear from Charles Gibson – a charter school board member, attorney and parent – about what charter schools offer the communities they serve.

To learn more about the Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School, visit: https://www.gibsoncharterschool.com/

#Charter Schools #TheodoreGibson #ThelmaGibson

Hosted by the FCSA's Lynn Norman-Teck, Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida.

The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

On this episode of Providing Choice we talk to Orlando Muñoz, president of Eagle Globe Protective Services. His team of Guardian-trained personnel has been providing charter schools with uninterrupted guardian presence. A retired law enforcement officer, Mr. Muñoz is a valuable resource for the Alliance and our members.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

We had a great conversation with three seniors at Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High who recently earned a two-year college degree. The students, Kyra Castro, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Lauren Souto, earned enough dual enrollment credits to graduate from Miami Dade College just before their high school graduation. They're headed to the University of Florida, Syracuse University, and Florida International University in the fall. We spoke about teachers who inspired them, Robotics and Coding, high school life during the pandemic, and what's great about their charter school.

Opened in 2003, Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High is a high performing 6-12 public charter school in Miami-Dade County.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

Cielo Acosta is an extraordinary young woman. At 15, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in a brand new charter school in her neighborhood. She is now a teacher there -- working with students that are growing up in her neighborhood and who face the challenges she did not so long ago. That charter school, SLAM! Miami, became her second home and its teachers and administrators became mentors who encouraged her and, she says, saw something in her that she hadn't discovered yet . Cielo's story is a testament to the power of a great charter school and why we must continue to protect school choice – especially for under-served communities. #SchoolChoiceWeek

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

When the pandemic hit, schools had to pivot quickly to implement remote learning programs, train educators, walk parents through the process, and make sure students didn't fall behind. Charter schools were able to make the transition and many, like Somerset Silver Palms, took a giant leap forward in their response to the academic, social, and emotional needs of the families they serve.

In this episode, we speak with Kerri Ann O'Sullivan, Principal of Somerset Silver Palm - a k-12 public charter school in Miami-Dade County - and…her daughter, Maddi, a senior at that school. They talk about their experience with remote learning and returning to campus, and what it's like to be a principal and a student during the pandemic.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

On this episode of Providing Choice, we speak with educator, former public school principal and vice chair of the Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Education, Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. The Senator talks about the upcoming 2021 legislative session, the 21-22 state budget, and why he supports education choice.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

On this episode, we talk with Kevin Melvin an insurance risk consultant with EPIC Charter School Practice Group -- a property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. A Certified School Risk Manager, Kevin understands the complexity involved in protecting Educational Institutions, like charter schools, and gives us some great advice. For more information on EPIC visit our vendor page at flcharteralliance.org

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

On this episode, we talk to Lisa Redman with Harris School Solutions about the challenges that professional development can present and the digital tools — like eWalk— that can help principals and teachers gather all data, including summative, formative and 3rd party to produce fast, easy, and reliable assessments. eWalk is also an effective cloud based classroom observation tool that allows for real-time data collection and sharing of those results to promote transparent collaboration.

Contact Lisa at lredman@harriscomputer.com

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

"On this episode of Providing Choice, an FCSA Podcast. In this episode, we speak with Ed Hosler with Solix. Ed and his team at Solix are E-Rate specialists with more than 20 years of experience helping school leaders -- and libraries -- secure funds from the FCC Schools and Libraries Program, also known as the E-Rate program. "

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

"Troy Kidder is the founder of Blue Creative Media -- an award-winning school marketing company and Florida Charter School Alliance Marketplace partner. Troy has helped hundreds of schools increase enrollment while improving communications with the community they serve. On this podcast, you'll hear tips on how to attract potential parents, how to create a winning website, and how to craft a winning marketing strategy. "

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

The FCSA spoke with Brook Rumenik, Deputy Director of the Office of Safe Schools a the Florida Department of Education about safe schools mandates. She also addresses many of the questions principals often have about compliance, drills, and other requirements.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

On this episode, Ralph Arza, FCSA's Director of Governmental Affairs talks about what happened in Tallahassee the week of April 1, 2019. This includes an update on the House and Senate budgets and the movement on the Safe Schools bill (SB7030 and HB 7093).

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

There's a magnificent urban garden at BridgePrep Academy InterAmerican. On raised garden beds, vegetables are growing along with a love of science, respect for nature, and an appetite for learning. On this episode of Providing Choice we spoke with the school's principal, Mr. Gonzalez, and some of the students that are helping this garden grow. I hope this episode inspires every school to start a garden.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

At Somerset Academy Central Miramar, Vice Principal Geyler Herrera has taken unconventional steps to make sure at risk youths stay in school and graduate. She won't stand for average - and pushes her students for excellence - learn how she uses contracts to motivate her students to high academic achievement, and how she and her students inspire each other.Florida Charter School Alliance Director Lynn Norman-Teck talks to Principal Herrera on this very special episode of Providing Choice.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

In celebration of National School Choice Week 2018, we spoke with three seniors at Mater Academy Charter School who were recently accepted to Wellesley College, a prestigious private university in Massachusetts. Thanks to school choice, their parents were able to choose a middle/high school that best fit their child's needs. At Mater Academy, these young ladies were encouraged to reach for the stars -- their challenging curriculum, supportive faculty, and vibrant college-bound culture prepared them for Wellesley and beyond.

Listen here.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/FLcharter

Follow/Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Choice.FCSA

In celebration of National Charter Schools Week, we spoke with charter high school grad, charter school teacher and administrator, Ms. Danai Amaya. She talks about her experience as a charter school student and how that shaped who she is as a person and a teacher, and why she loves teaching at a charter school.

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

On This Episode of Providing Choice: A conversation with Lilian Salazar about Exceptional Student Education and the role charter schools play in helping students with special needs achieve. Ms. Salazar was a district director for Special Ed and is now the national director of special education and student support for a charter school support and education service provider that works with schools in Florida, Nevada, Utah, California and Washington, D.C.

Learn More:

FLDOE Student Policies and Procedures Link

http://beess.fcim.org/sppDistrictDocSearch.aspx

The U.S. Department of Education's guidance reminding charter schools of obligations toward students with disabilities:

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-releases-guidance-civil-rights-students-disabilities

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice: A Florida Charter School Alliance Podcast, Dave Saba, Chief Development Officer at Florida Teachers talks about the teacher shortage that's impacting schools across the country and how Florida Teachers is providing solutions to that crisis. Mr. Saba was an early pioneer in alternative certification, bringing new routes to the classroom in various states. We are thrilled that he's here with us today to give listeners some tips on how to fill essential teaching positions.

Learn more at www.floridateachers.org

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

On this episode, we are celebrating National School Choice Week. And who better to talk to us about the history and growth of school choice in Florida than "Grandma choice", Dr. Judith Stein.

An advocate for parents, choice, and quality schools…

Dr. Stein was on the founding board of two Florida charter school organizations and organized the first four state charter school conferences in the state. Dr. Stein has served as Director of Career Education for Miami Dade, President of the American Association for Career Education, a policy board member of the American Vocational Association; and Guidance Director and the Executive Chairman of the International Collaboration Conference on Career Education in Miami.

She served as the Executive Director of the Division of Magnet/Innovative Programs for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was the founding President of the State organization for Magnet Schools, Consortium of Magnets/Public Choice Schools.

Although officially retired, Dr. Stein is still very active. She's a Florida Charter School Alliance board member and its original executive director; she sits on the board of several local charter schools, as well as the board of the South Florida Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation.

I recorded my conversation with Dr. Stein while on our way to a National School Choice event in Port Richie – on Florida's west coast. We talked about the birth of magnet programs in Florida, the evolution of charter schools and why it should be called parental choice not school choice. It was a real pleasure chatting with Dr. Stein. I think you will enjoy our chat as much as I did.

Reach Dr. Stein on twitter https://twitter.com/JudithStein

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Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. Episodes highlight charter school leaders, educators, governing board members, stakeholders, prospective founders, students and parents, to provide a better understanding of the Charter School movement in Florida. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. Visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice: A Florida Alliance Podcast, Executive Director Lynn Norman - Teck sits with marketing whiz Jeanette Nunez. Having worked for L'Oreal as a marketing director, Ms. Nunez has extensive experience in advertising and public relations, and has been using that expertise to help charter schools promote open enrollment and fill seats. Once the seats are filled, she helps charter school principals launch a comprehensive PR campaign to communicate their successes to parents, elected officials, media and the community at large. This is a great podcast for any school leader or governing board member who wants tips on how to promote their brand and market their school to potential parents.

You can find more info on the Florida Alliance Charter School Alliance website www.flcharteralliance.org

Formed in 2010 by a group of community leaders, educators, and philanthropists, the Florida Charter School Alliance is a non-profit member-driven organization whose mission is to improve student achievement and promote parental choice by serving & advocating for high-quality public charter schools in the state. There are currently more than 600 public charter schools in Florida serving an estimated 230,000 K-12 students.

On this episode of Providing Choice, Florida Charter School Alliance Executive Director Lynn Norman-Teck talks to Representative Manny Diaz about being a champion for Public education in Florida.

The Florida Charter School Alliance of is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida.

For a complete listing of our podcasts and webinars created for charter school leaders, governing board members, stakeholders, and prospective founders, visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

On this episode of Providing Choice, Florida Charter School Alliance Executive Director Lynn Norman-Teck talks to Mater Academy of International Studies Principal Ileana Melian about her school's adventures in the practice of mindfulness - and how its amazing positive impact is affecting that school's inner city students and their test scores.

The Florida Charter School Alliance of is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida.

For a complete listing of our podcasts and webinars created for charter school leaders, governing board members, stakeholders, and prospective founders, visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. On this episode, Lynn speaks to Principal Sherry Watts, principal of Minneola Elementary Charter school in Lake County. This elementary school is not only focusing on educating the whole child but is also infusing a college bound culture into everything they do, from curriculum delivery to after school programs.

The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida.

For a complete listing of our podcasts and webinars created for charter school leaders, governing board members, stakeholders, and prospective founders, visit our website at flcharteralliance.org

Providing Choice is a Florida Charter School Alliance podcast. The Florida Alliance is a non-profit charter school support and advocacy organization. Our mission is to increase student achievement and meet the demand for parental choice by assisting high quality public charter schools in Florida. On this episode, we talk about the school leader-governing board relationship with Carlos Alvarez, the principal of the City of Hialeah Educational Academy.

He runs a municipal public charter school that was founded in 2008 by the city council members and the mayor of the City of Hialeah.

That city is located Northwest of Miami for close to 50 years, it's been home to low-income Hispanic families from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. For many of its residents, Hialeah is their first home in America, and for many of their children, the city of Hialeah educational academy represents the first opportunity for a high quality education and a stepping stone to college.

We sat with Carlos in his office on a busy Friday afternoon. We spoke about the many accomplishments on campus, student achievement, graduation rates, his outreach to parents and the community and how his governing board and his relationship with them plays a vital role in the success and growth of the charter school.

We asked Carlos to tell us how to best communicate with charter school governing board members, and, more importantly, how to engage them so they become a school leader's partner in the school's successes and improvement process.

For a complete listing of our podcasts and webinars created for charter school leaders, governing board members, stakeholders, and prospective founders, visit our website at flcharteralliance.org