Page 54 - Superintendent Annual Report 24-25

PRE-SERVICE PROGRAM

The District’s Pre-Service Program remained a vital element in preparing future
educators. Notably, the successful renewal of affiliation agreements with four
universities—Nova Southeastern University, St. Petersburg College, Adams State
University, and the University of Phoenix—ensured that students pursuing education
degrees had access to valuable, hands-on teaching experiences in District schools.
These renewals add to 11 existing Board-approved agreements, further reinforcing
our dedication to developing future educators.

Through these partnerships, District schools hosted 570 students who completed
field observations, 180 students engaged in university-affiliated practicum expe-
riences, and 107 college interns refined their teaching skills. Each intern benefited from the guidance of
a cooperating educator who provided mentorship in lesson planning, instructional delivery, and classroom
management. To further enrich their experiences, interns received access to District technology, mirroring
the tools used by their mentors, and participated in targeted professional learning opportunities designed to
facilitate their transition to full-time teaching roles.

The Pre-Service Program collaborated with Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University to create four
specialized professional learning sessions for student interns. These sessions addressed key areas, including
Skills for Learning and Life, classroom management, and the Palm Beach Model of Instruction.

Demonstrating its value beyond the internship experience, the program served as a significant recruitment
channel. The District hired 464 former pre-service students in FY25, marking a 17% increase from the previous
year. By investing in these individuals, the District secures a future of high-quality, standards-aligned instruc-
tion delivered by well-prepared teachers.

Medicaid Reimbursement
The Department of Transportation Services made significant strides in FY25 through its proactive efforts to
implement Medicaid reimbursement. This crucial initiative leveraged the newly introduced barcode scanning
technology. Accurately tracking eligible student ridership enabled the department to effectively pursue
reimbursement for transportation services covered under Medicaid, thereby providing a mechanism to offset
student transportation costs. The achievement of this important milestone was significantly bolstered by
strong collaborative support and expertise provided by the Department of Exceptional Student Education. This
partnership was instrumental in navigating the complexities of Medicaid regulations and ensuring the seamless
integration of this reimbursement process within the Department of Transportation Services’ operations. This
endeavor demonstrates inter-departmental collaboration and fiscally responsible approaches to managing
student transportation resources within the District.

54 SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL REPORT