Empowering Educators and Students: A Visit to the Florida State Capital

Opportunity Education supports educators in their quest to engage and empower students through active learning and effective feedback. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Florida State Capitol to strengthen future partnerships and showcase the incredible progress we’ve made over the past year. During my visit, I had the honor of meeting with influential leaders, such as Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, State Senator Bryan Avila, Representative Alex Rizo, and David Borrego, along with esteemed school board members and college presidents.

The enthusiasm and support from everyone I met were truly inspiring. There was a genuine excitement about the transformative work we are doing, including our partnership with Somerset Academy in Homestead, Florida, where we are collaborating with teachers to further develop Opportunity Education’s Feedback Forward and integrate it into their curriculum.

We also discussed the recent approval of charter school applications in Florida and Iowa. The charter schools set to open in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in the fall of 2025 were a highlight of our discussion. These schools will provide Iowans with a high-quality education for grades 6-12, and further our mission of empowering students through innovative education.

Additionally, my visit allowed me to lay the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships in Florida. I am excited about the potential to work closely with Daytona State College and expand our relationship with New College of Florida. Notably, Opportunity Education founder Joe Ricketts recently launched his Great Books College course at New College of Florida, marking a significant step forward in our collaboration.

As we look to the future, I am confident that these partnerships and opportunities will enable us to continue making a meaningful impact on educators and students alike. Together, we will strive to create a brighter future through education, empowering every individual to reach their full potential.