Florida Charter Institute

The Florida Charter Institute’s Great Leaders, Great Schools podcast continues the conversation on what it takes to build and sustain strong schools.

In Episode 23, Jessica Chapman sits down with Kathryn Perkins, of FCI Educate, to discuss FCI Educate’s approach to professional learning and how intentional support for educators and instructional leaders can drive meaningful impact across schools.

The episode also highlights upcoming Summer 2026 learning opportunities designed for educators and school leaders across Florida.

If you are passionate about strengthening instruction, supporting educators, and building high-performing schools, we invite you to tune in:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29DDAw2CuEu7AQzTX5SQr2

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-23-inside-fci-educate-supporting-success/id1692561864?i=1000766845348

Interested in attending our Summer workshops? Click here for more information: https://flcharterinstitute.org/workshops/

The Florida Charter Institute continues its May webinar series with a range of no-cost learning opportunities designed to support Florida’s charter school leaders, educators, and communities through timely, practical conversations impacting schools today.

Explore the upcoming webinars below and register to join us.

May 12, 1p.m. | McKinney-Vento Overview: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Register Here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/webinar/mckinney-vento-overview-supporting-students-experiencing-homelessness/

May 21, 10a.m. | Redefining High School: The Collegiate Charter Model with Dr. Karen Peck
Register Here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/webinar/redefining-high-school-the-collegiate-charter-model-with-dr-karen-peck/

May 26, 1p.m. | What to Look for in AI EdTech Tools: A Practical Guide for School Leaders
Register Here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/webinar/what-to-look-for-in-ai-edtech-tools-a-practical-guide-for-school-leaders/

May 28, 10 a.m. | Building an AI Policy That Actually Works in Your School
Register Here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/webinar/building-an-ai-policy-that-actually-works-in-your-school/

Strong schools don’t happen by accident, they are built by leaders who care deeply and lead boldly.

In this episode of Great Leaders = Great Schools, Jessica Chapman chats with Carlos Alvarez, Principal of SLAM Miami and President of CIVICA Network, about purpose and possibility.

They cover how to:
✔ Build a school from the ground up
✔ Create a culture students feel
✔ Connect learning to real-world opportunities

Listen to Episode 22, More Than A School: Purpose & Possibility:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0B4dKR09NmBVYjVR4iseEi?si=b77d5d6492834a43
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-22-more-than-a-school-purpose-possibility/id1692561864?i=1000762906883

What if you could access the best insights from Florida’s charter school leaders anytime, anywhere?

The Florida Charter Institute has launched FCI Rewind, a new podcast designed to bring our most impactful webinars, trainings, conferences, and presentations directly to you.

Each week, we revisit high-value conversations from our archive, giving you practical strategies, expert perspectives, and real-world solutions - all in a format that fits your day.

Start listening here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/fci-rewind/

The Florida Charter Institute is hosting a Conversion Charter School Cohort Meeting designed to bring together leaders for meaningful professional development and peer-to-peer connection.

Leading a conversion charter school comes with unique opportunities and challenges. While it is easy to prioritize the day-to-day demands, creating space to connect with others navigating similar work can provide valuable perspective, practical insight, and renewed clarity.

Attendees will leave with:
- Practical strategies to navigate the unique challenges of conversion charter schools
- Insights from peers leading similar work across Florida
- Actionable approaches to strengthen operations and other priorities
- Expanded professional networks and opportunities for continued collaboration

Join us on April 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location:
Spring Creek Charter School
44440 Spring Creek Rd
Paisley, FL 32737

Register now and reserve your seat: https://forms.gle/ZWJk4ZG6FSq2XsYi8

Students are graduating high school with a college degree in hand.

Episode 21 of the Great Leaders, Great Schools podcast is live. Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute sits down with Dr. Karen Peck and Kelly Monod from the State College of Florida Collegiate Schools to talk about the collegiate charter model that is redefining high school.

Students in this model graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree through full dual enrollment on a college campus, supported by strong systems of mentoring, coaching, and teacher collaboration.

Dr. Peck also shares how her experience as a U.S. Air Force veteran shaped the leadership and mission driving student success.

Listen now:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WjBIhp0Y76gFZ63jLzTks?si=bePqxQGCRLG-OuzLtox0eg

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-21-inside-the-collegiate-charter-school-model/id1692561864?i=1000758181654

Ep 21: Inside the Collegiate Charter School Model Podcast Episode · Great Leaders. Great Schools. · March 30 · 30m

Leadership can feel isolating—but it does not have to be.

The Florida Charter Institute is bringing charter school leaders together in North Florida.

FCI Leadership Cohort Meetings are designed to create space for connection, collaboration, and shared learning among leaders navigating similar roles and school models. These gatherings go beyond conversation, they offer practical insights, trusted resources, and a community of peers committed to strengthening schools and improving student outcomes.

Our North Florida Regional Cohort Meeting will bring leaders together to build meaningful relationships and engage in timely discussions impacting charter schools today.

- Peer-to-peer connection
- Practical insights
- A trusted community of leaders

If you are looking for direction, a network of peers, and a space to exchange ideas that move your school forward, you are invited.

Join us on Friday, April 24
Resilience Charter School
1717-A NE 9 St
Gainesville, FL 32609

Meet us in North Florida, reserve your seat today: https://forms.gle/KpKFFGkx3KUfLb3aA

Differentiation doesn’t have to mean rewriting the same lesson over and over.

In fact, effective differentiation starts with how students access, process, and communicate while learning. When communication is supported, participation follows. In this 45-minute webinar and Q&A session, led by Reagan Chalmers, Director of Exceptional Student Education at Florida Charter Institute, and Aleksandra Krawczyk, speech-language pathologist and CEO of EdTool, educators and school leaders will explore practical strategies for designing flexible lessons and practices that enhance communication and participation while providing multiple entry points for students with varied learning needs.

Educators will walk away with:
- A clearer understanding of differentiation vs. modification
- Practical ways to support communication and comprehension
- Strategies for designing one lesson that works for many learners
- Insight into how instructional tools can save time while increasing access

Join us on Tuesday, March 31 starting at 1:00 p.m. (ET) live via zoom for this captivating presentation.

Register Here: https://flcharterinstitute.org/webinar/one-lesson-many-learners-what-does-differentiation-truly-mean/

Creating Excellence Through Connection

In this episode of Great Leaders = Great Schools, Jessica Chapman, from the Florida Charter Institute, sits down with Patricia Pagozalski and Ahmet Akyurek from Tallahassee School Of Math & Science (TSMS), a standout example of excellence in Florida’s Charter Schools.

Together they explore how strong relationships between students, teachers, and the community create the foundation for academic success and a thriving school culture.

Hear their stories, leadership insights, and practical strategies that show how connection drives innovation and excellence in charter schools.

Listen to Episode 20: Excellence Through Connection on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EXE3IK6un33eiu8K4zq1f?si=364ea5e433ef4f68

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-20-excellence-through-connection/id1692561864?i=1000755615622

The Florida Charter Institute is offering Leading for Learning: The Power of Studying Student Work, a three-day instructional leadership workshop designed for principals, instructional coaches, and school leaders who support teacher development.

This workshop focuses on practical strategies to strengthen instruction, including:
• Analyzing student work to guide instructional decisions
• Coaching teachers during live instruction
• Leading evidence-based instructional conversations
• Developing an implementation plan for your school

Two workshop options available:
Miami | June 9–11 - Register Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/floridacharterinstitute/1900875

Orlando | June 16–18 - Register Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/floridacharterinstitute/2063797

Additional benefits:
• In-service points eligible (supports teaching license renewal)
• Flexible payment options available at checkout

Learn more and register: https://flcharterinstitute.org/workshops/