Today, I joined leaders at @PHSCedu to celebrate a $3 million investment through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund that will create new aviation training opportunities for students to become Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. Thanks to @GovRonDeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to lead the nation in workforce education, connecting students with the skills employers need and preparing them for success in the workforce of tomorrow.

I enjoyed providing the keynote address at the FCS Summer Councils meeting of academic, workforce, and student affairs leaders from the Great 28 @FLCollegeSystem institutions. By working together to ensure our students have the skills needed for high-wage, in-demand careers, Florida will continue to lead the nation in workforce education.

It’s been an incredible honor serving in your administration, @GovRonDeSantis, over the past 7 years. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to championing policies that have helped millions of families across the state of Florida!

I’m looking forward to this next chapter as the President of @PolkState and am grateful for the trust and support of the Board of Trustees, the faculty, the community and most importantly, the students. Together we will strengthen Polk State’s legacy of excellence and ensure the college remains responsive to the workforce demands of Polk’s rapidly growing community.

The end-of-year newsletter celebrated the strong partnership between parents and educators that helped make this school year such a success, while also expressing appreciation for teachers’ unwavering dedication and commitment to students. The newsletter also highlighted Governor DeSantis’ recent education bill signings and recognized the accomplishments of the five finalists for Florida Teacher of the Year. In honor of Memorial Day, I encouraged teachers to share Lynn Hamilton’s book about the holiday as a resource for students to explore over summer to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served our country. View the newsletter at: fldoe.org/file/5306/CAK-May2…

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are forever indebted to your sacrifice.

It was an honor to lead @EducationFL staff in an invocation and recognize Katie Farsi as the May “Going the Extra Mile” Employee of the Month. Katie serves as a Systems Project Analyst in the Accountability, Research, and Measurement Division. She consistently demonstrates reliability, professionalism and a strong focus on producing high-quality results.    We were also joined by @mdcpresident, who inspired us by sharing about the incredible impact @MDCollege and all @FLCollegeSystem institutions are having on student achievement across the state.

Great to be at the Florida Department of Education Commissioner’s Summit in Miami today to sign HB 757, which enhances school safety measures at our colleges and universities. This legislation protects students and makes campuses more secure by: ✔️ Expanding Florida’s School Guardian Program to public higher education institutions ✔️ Transferring threat assessment reports and psychological evaluations in K-12 student records to a Florida postsecondary institution upon the student’s enrollment ✔️ Establishing faculty training and threat management teams to intervene with students displaying behavioral health issues ✔️ Requiring an annual security risk assessment at every campus in Florida We will continue to champion policies that keep our students safe in Florida’s institutions of higher learning.

We are proud to introduce the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Finalists! Congratulations to all five outstanding teachers who inspire excellence and elevate the teaching profession! #FLTOY2027

I am thankful to the search committee for naming me the sole finalist to become Polk State College’s next president. Florida College System institutions play a critical role in preparing students for in-demand, high-wage positions. During my time as Commissioner, I have proudly touted their incredible outcomes as they serve more than 680,000 students across the state and provide more than 130,000 degrees and certifications each year. It is an honor to be blessed with this opportunity, and I am excited to contribute to that work in a new capacity while continuing to support strong partnerships between K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. I also look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, cabinet members, and the faculty whose dedication is transforming students’ lives and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers. No matter the position I serve in, I remain committed to the belief that education is the foundation of opportunity and the key to a stronger future.

Looking for a career where you can make a real impact in your community?    Registered nurses in Florida earn an average of $84,000 per year, with strong job growth statewide.    Find a program at GetThereFL.com/Search

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and grandmothers across Florida! You all play an irreplaceable role in the life of a child and their education. Today, we celebrate you for the love, guidance, mentorship and encouragement that you provide, which shapes lives and strengthens communities.

It’s National Nurses Week! This week, we celebrate the dedicated nurses who care for our communities every day.    Ready to make a difference? Explore nursing pathways and start your journey today.     Find a program at GetThereFL.com/Search

Today, on the National Day of Prayer, Leon County School Board Member Laurie Cox and I prayed for Florida’s students, teachers and parents. Thank you Member Cox for also praying over @EducationFL to have strength, dedication, and faith as we lead Florida’s education system.

Thank you @EDSecMcMahon for fighting alongside us against the unions who are hurting the teachers and students they purport to represent. Your leadership was instrumental in advancing legislation that ensures real accountability for unions in Florida.

Congratulations to the 2027 Florida District Teachers of the Year! This group of elite educators has been recognized by their districts as experts in their field, demonstrating a superior capacity to guide students to academic excellence. #FLTOY2027

Florida continues to lead the way in expanding access to rigorous, high-quality advanced coursework for all students. The FACT U.S. History framework presents a complete and accurate view of our nation’s history without ideology or divisive concepts like DEI and Critical Race Theory. The deadline for participation in the pilot course has been extended to May 18. I encourage all school districts and charter schools to take advantage of this opportunity.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week we celebrate and elevate the more than 170,000 teachers across Florida. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Florida students!

Thank you at @FSWCollege for allowing me to keynote your commencement ceremony.   FSW equipped their graduates with the skills, determination, and drive to succeed in their careers and make a difference in their communities.   Congratulations graduates, your hard work has paid off, and your next chapter starts now!

It was an honor to speak at the @PolkState commencement ceremony.   These graduates are leaving not only with degrees, but with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact on Florida’s workforce and their communities.   Congratulations to the Class of 2026!