INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Commissioner of Education, Pam Stewart, honored the second class of graduates of the Commissioner’s Leadership Academy in Vero Beach.
High School Principal Shawn O’Keefe, and Sebastian River High School Principal Todd Racine, were among 127 educators taking part in the Academy for the first time. Treasure Coast Elementary Principal Kelly Baysura, was among the 38 Facilitators-in-Training who were participating for a second time.
“We often highlight the fact that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we cannot forget that the same concept applies to educators throughout their professional career,” said Commissioner Stewart. “I commend this year’s graduates for taking the initiative to deepen their instructional leadership skills that will greatly benefit their students, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their profession.”
The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of a year-long course of study in which Florida principals, principal supervisors, and education leaders participated in job-embedded and research-based activities designed to increase their knowledge about teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
The rigorous professional development programs include three learning institutes and five school site “learning walks” to practice instructional leadership skills and build a cadre of school district facilitators.