Polk State Education grad fast-tracks career with dual enrollment & bachelor’s degree
Sofia Molina has returned to the site where she was once a kindergarten student at then-Kingsford Elementary to teach kindergarten at what is now Willow Oak School in Mulberry. Molina received a Fancelli Family Future…
Polk State Education grad finds ‘home’ where she interned at Chain of Lakes Elementary
Returning to school after nearly a decade with a family and a full-time job can be scary. Kimberly McBride added that the scariest part is wondering whether one will achieve their career goals after graduation.…
Polk State Education fall 2022 pinning ceremony
Polk State Education celebrated its fall 2022 teacher candidates with a pinning ceremony on November 30 at the Polk State Center for Public Safety. The graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Program…
Polk State Education grad “finally passed” reading certification, becomes intensive reading teacher & role model for students
Lauren Lightsey teaches intensive reading at Lake Wales High School, where she can relate firsthand to her students because she, too, struggled with mastering the reading curriculum. She completed the Educator Preparation Institute at Polk…
Polk State Education grad returned to school after nearly 20 years
When Tracy Garcia graduated from high school in 2001, she attended a university but didn’t complete her degree because “life took over.” “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I worked my way…
Educator Preparation Institute graduate: Polk State College is home
Vincent Miller traveled the world as a renowned vocalist, was named Teacher of the Year for Polk County Public Schools, achieved his doctorate in Education, and currently serves as Assistant Head of Schools for Academy…
Polk State Early Childhood Education student elevates career with Early Learning Coalition of Polk County
Cici Cantero has worked for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County for seven years and recently received a promotion due in part to the knowledge she has gained in Polk State College’s Early Childhood…
Graduating Polk State Education student takes over her kindergarten teacher’s classroom
Myla Bence always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but it is serendipity that led her to taking over her own kindergarten teacher’s classroom at Berkley Charter Elementary, where she secured a job before…
Graduating Polk State student motivated by her daughters to achieve not one, but two degrees
When Millicent Whitehead came to the U.S. in 2001, she received her General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency diploma but wouldn’t revisit her academic goals for nearly 15 years. She didn’t think then that…
Polk State Education’s Mary Stowers dedicated life to uplifting others
Mary Stowers dedicated her life to uplifting others by motivating them to reach their fullest potential and supporting them in their pursuits. She was a source of knowledge and positivity for both her students and…