
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…

Admission requirements change for Polk State Education baccalaureate degree programs

Recent changes in state law have simplified the process for individuals to apply and receive admission into teacher education programs. Effective July 1, 2021, individuals applying for entry into Polk State’s Elementary Education or Early…

Teachers credit Polk State for skills, ability to adapt to online teaching

Educators and students across Polk County and the nation have settled into the online teaching and learning environment through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Graduates of Polk State College’s Elementary Education Program have shared that…

Establishing Leaders in Teacher Education students from Ridge Community High get the Polk State College experience

Students in the Establishing Leaders in Teacher Education (ELITE) Program received a firsthand look at their future college campus and the resources already available to them at Polk State College, although they are sophomores at…

Polk State receives Innovation of the Year Award for Establishing Leaders in Teacher Education

Polk State College has received a 2019 Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College for Establishing Leaders in Teacher Education (ELITE) – a program that is jumpstarting careers…

Polk State graduate wants to be there for students like teachers were there for her

Growing up, Heather Monteleone didn’t have a strong female role model in her life, so she looked up to her teachers. She recalls one buying her a jacket when it was cold outside, and another…