College of Education’s STAR program prepares teachers to lead
- Rachel Robles
- College of Education
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
5 – minute read
At Florida Gulf Coast University, the College of Education helps future teachers build confidence from their first year through graduation by combining coursework with hands-on classroom experience. A key part of this preparation is the Student Teacher Advanced Recruitment (STAR) program, which allows select seniors to serve as full-time, paid teachers during their final semester.
“STAR reflects the very best of what we do in the College of Education: prepare future teachers through meaningful partnerships, strong clinical experiences and the support they need to succeed,” said Diana Cheshire, dean and professor in the college. “This program gives our candidates the opportunity to step confidently into the classroom while helping meet the needs of local schools.”
The STAR initiative serves as a paid internship. Highly qualified teacher candidates obtain a temporary teacher internship certificate through the Florida Department of Education during their final internship, said Jamie Shaffer, the college’s director of clinical experiences and partnerships.
“This certification allows candidates to serve as the teacher of record in their own classroom while completing (FGCU’s) program requirements,” she said.
Beneficial for local schools and FGCU
Candidates for the program must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, demonstrate effective teaching across prior clinical experiences and receive recommendations from faculty and cooperating teachers.
As a paid internship, STAR is mutually beneficial for the university’s school district partners as well as the teacher candidates. Local schools gain a prepared and supported educator, while candidates earn a first-year teacher salary and are able to fully focus on instructional responsibilities.
“Originally, the COE’s STAR opportunity began approximately 15 years ago with the Accomplished Intern as Teacher (AIT) grant, which was a Forida initiative to address chronic teacher shortages, especially in rural and hard-to-staff districts,” said Diane Kratt, the college’s assistant dean for enrollment and student services. “We primarily used STAR for positions in Hendry, Glades, and Desoto counties.
“Today, Florida is issuing temporary certificates to candidates completing their final internship in state-approved programs,” said Kratt. “Candidates who qualify and receive the temporary intern certificate can receive a placement in any public school district. In this way, we are now able to assist more local school districts and teacher candidates in a mutually beneficial partnership.”
In collaboration with school districts across the region, FGCU provides intensive, on-the-job experience for education majors. It offers seniors 16-week, immersive classroom placements, allowing them to teach and work under supervisors and secure local employment upon graduation.
Becoming the best teacher you can be
“I love the STAR program,” said Alaina Butts, who is teaching this spring in the School District of Lee County at Heights Elementary School in Fort Myers. “It allowed me to step into my own classroom before graduating. Being able to get my own classroom was both exciting and terrifying. I was nervous about getting enough support and having a hard time keeping up with my schoolwork. It has been challenging, but the amount of support that I have gotten from my professors, coworkers and staff at my school has been amazing.”
Butts said that being part of a program that helps its students succeed and become the best person and educator they can be has been a highlight of being a STAR teacher. Each semester, five to 10 seniors are selected.
“It has shown me that FGCU cares about their students even more than I knew,” said Butts, who received the Elizabeth A. and Jack A. Conner Scholarship in 2023-24. She singled out two mentors who guided her along the way.
“Theresa Byrne-Knell was one of the first professors that I had for education classes. She made it exciting to come to class and truly cared for all of us,” Butts said. “She was, and continues to be, a professor that I look up to and strive to be more like.”
Michelle Fry, clinical assistant professor of teacher education, has been her instructor during her field experience. “She has had a huge impact on me as a teacher and a person, with constant reassurance and advice on how to be a better teacher,” Butts said.
As her first semester as a full-time teacher winds down, Butts offered some advice to future educators and school leaders studying at FGCU: Make the most of what the College of Education has to offer.
“You can get resources, advice and friendships as long as you participate and try your best,” she said. “Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help. They are here to help you with any concerns or questions that you have. Being a teacher is hard, but a good support system helps a ton.”