Central Florida, December 8, 2020—On Tuesday, December 2, Teach For America Central Florida (previously, Teach For America Orlando), hosted its inaugural virtual Chairman’s Luncheon alongside Board Chair, Donagh Herlihy, to highlight educational impact across Central Florida, honoring educational champions they’ve partnered with on their mission to attain educational excellence for students across the state. Event honorees included: Senator Kelli Stargel, Senator Shevrin Jones, Vice Chair of Florida Board of Education Marva Johnson, and Dr. Tashanda Brown-Cannon, Associate Superintendent for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Awards recognized and honored individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and partnership within the communities Teach For America serves. 

During opening remarks, Mayor Demings noted the following, “Amidst a global pandemic, this year has been challenging for teachers and students. However, despite this unforeseen difficulty they have quickly learned to navigate the nuances of remote learning and in some unique cases, transitions back into classroom learning. Teachers play a vital role in inspiring, motivating and shaping the young minds of our children…[and] I applaud Teach For America’s network of teachers and volunteers that have answered the call to address educational challenges facing students across all our communities.” 

At the luncheon, several advocates were commended for their dedication to ensuring all Florida students have access to quality education. Marva Johnson, Vice Chair of the Florida State Board of Education, was honored with the Statewide Impact Award for her relentless support of Florida students. State Senator Kelli Stargel and State Senator Shevrin Jones were honored as Legislative Champions in education. Senator Stargel, a leader in the chamber, is a consistent voice for thoughtful education policy supporting innovation in the classroom and dynamic opportunities for students.  While, newly-elected Senator Shevrin Jones, a former educator, brings passion to his legislative work supporting educators and students across the state. “Investing in our youth through education is one of the most important ways that we can strengthen the livelihood of our communities, said Senator Jones...[as a first year teacher, my mother shared the advice that ‘every student can learn’ and I’ve kept that message with me ever since].” 

Additional event speakers included, Dr. Michael Lomax, President and CEO of the United Nero College Fund, The Honorable Jerry Demins, Mayor of Orange County, The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando, and Lakeisha Wells-Palmer, Executive Director of Teach For America Jacksonville and Central Florida. Teach For America Central Florida’s Chairman’s Luncheon was presented by AT&T, and sponsored by Crossman Career Builders, Florida Blue, Massey Service Inc., Wells Fargo, Helios Education Foundation, Joseph Kadow, Bullard Family Foundation, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Jacksonville Film Festival. Sponsorship proceeds will directly benefit classrooms within Orange County Public Schools.

To learn more about the Luncheon, visit: https://events.bizzabo.com/262357.

To view the live stream, visit: https://vimeo.com/486428945

About Teach For America Florida

Teach For America Florida works in partnership with urban and rural communities in Miami-Dade, Jacksonville, and Central Florida to expand educational opportunities for children. Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders to make a commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today Teach For America Florida is a force of over 1,700 alumni and corps members committed to profound systemic change.