A special signing-day ceremony for soon-to-be graduates from the University of South Florida College of Education was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Selby Auditorium.
The students signed contracts to become teachers in the School District of Manatee County. An audience filled with proud family and friends joined to watch.
Ten USF students took part in the signing ceremony. Eight of the students will be graduating from USF Sarasota-Manatee in May with a degree in Elementary Education, and two of the students will be graduating from USF in Tampa with a degree in Secondary Education.
Southeast High Principal and USF Graduate, Ginger Collins (center), welcomes two new teachers.
USF Sarasota-Manatee Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook, Regional Vice Chancellor Dr. Brett Kemker, Campus Dean of Education Cheryl Ellerbrock, College of Education Dean of Education Anthony Rolle, Manatee Schools Superintendent Cynthia Saunders and other USF and school district officials attended the celebratory event.
It highlighted the strengthening relationship between the College of Education on the Sarasota-Manatee campus and the school district and their joint efforts to address the teacher shortage in Florida.
“Teachers are the backbone of any strong and vibrant public education system,” said Superintendent Cynthia Saunders. “All school districts are facing teacher shortages, so partnering with USF Sarasota-Manatee is a wonderful way to not only attract those who have chosen to become teachers, but to ensure they choose the School District of Manatee County as their home upon their graduation.”
Principals from the following schools welcomed the new educators to their campuses: Freedom Elementary, McNeal Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Prine Elementary, Samoset Elementary and Southeast High.