Fla. Stat. § 1012.981 — Florida Code / Title XLVIII / Chapter 1012 / Part V / Section 1012.981
1012.981 The Florida Center for Teaching Excellence.
Status: in_force

(1) The Florida Center for Teaching Excellence is established at Miami Dade College, subject to an appropriation, for the purpose of preparing high-quality teachers in this state through rigorous, evidence-based programs grounded in cognitive science, high-impact teaching strategies, and the implementation of knowledge-rich curricula.

(2) The center shall, in collaboration with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the University of South Florida, do all of the following: (a) Develop and deliver evidence-based professional learning opportunities aligned to the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. (b) Develop and deliver educator training programs pursuant to s. 1012.98 that integrate high-quality instructional materials included on the state-adopted instructional materials list under s. 1006.28, materials evaluated and identified pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), and materials developed by or under the direction of the department as provided in s. 1006.39. These programs must focus on the effective use of knowledge-based curricula, highlighting when and how to incorporate intervention materials, and emphasize the importance of background knowledge in building advanced reading comprehension grounded in the science of reading and critical thinking skills. (c) Develop and design models of high-quality clinical experiences for aspiring teachers. These model experiences shall serve as a standard that institutions approved pursuant to ss. 1004.04 and 1004.85 can adopt or adapt, enabling participants to demonstrate mastery of instructional techniques, classroom management strategies, and the application of high-impact teaching strategies in authentic educational settings. (d) Collaborate with school districts and other educational stakeholders to identify emerging needs in teacher preparation and align center programs accordingly, conducting gap analyses to provide comprehensive coverage of the science of learning, high-impact teaching strategies, and knowledge-rich curriculum implementation. (e) Establish a statewide network of teachers and instructional leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to mentor and support aspiring and current educators participating in the center’s programs. This network shall model effective pedagogical practices and facilitate professional growth. (f) Conduct research and disseminate findings on high-impact teaching practices and the implementation of knowledge-based curricula to inform policy, improve classroom instruction, and address the importance of background knowledge in student achievement. (g) Report to the department the completion of professional learning by individuals who are not employed by entities with an approved professional learning system.

(3) The center may submit a professional learning system for approval pursuant to s. 1012.98.

(4) The center may apply for and receive federal, state, or local agency grants for the purposes of this section.

(5) The Miami Dade College Board of Trustees in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education shall establish policies for the supervision, administration, and governance of the center.

History: s. 5, ch. 2025-107.