Media Contacts:
Adriana Oliva
786.252.9920
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Microsoft awards $125,000 to Miami EdTech’s computer science training program for Miami-Dade teachers in partnership with FIU
—
The EdXpert, powered by Microsoft program provides Miami-Dade County public school K-12 STEM teachers with computer science based professional development opportunities, and focuses on Title I schools and those scoring low in Teacher Professional Development.
EdXpert, powered by Microsoft is a “train-the-trainer” program which builds capacity for teachers to deliver computer science and technology-enabled lessons in the classroom while increasing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of computer science education in Miami-Dade County.
—
April 30, 2019 (MIAMI)—Miami EdTech, an education technology non-profit working to create a world where innovative technologies redefine education, today announced that it has been awarded a $125,000 grant from Microsoft in support of its new “EdXpert, powered by Microsoft” program.
In partnership with Florida International University’s School of Computing & Information Sciences, EdXpert focuses on Title I schools and those scoring low in Teacher Professional Development on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ STEAM & STEM School Designation Reporting System.
“This is a great opportunity for STEM teachers to learn how to integrate entrepreneurial and computational principles into their lesson plans, and possibly in a next grant for pre-service teachers, too,” says Mario Eraso, Ph.D., STEM Outreach / Internships Coordinator, School of Computing and Information Services, Florida International University.
A true “train-the-trainer” professional development program, EdXpert uses state-of-the-art curriculum and training techniques to build teachers’ capacity to deliver top-tier computer science and technology-enabled lessons in their classrooms.
“Over the past year, through our Accelerator and Social Innovation & Entrepreneurial Leadership (SIEL) Incubator, we have been fortunate to work with over 50 Miami-based educators, representing some 15,000 students,” said Carlos Vazquez, President and CEO of Miami EdTech. “Microsoft’s support of our new EdXpert program allows us to empower and reach far more educators; helping to close the digital skills gap present among Miami-Dade youth, and, ultimately, provide them with the tools required for 21st century success.”
EdXpert is a free program open to K-12 STEM teachers located in Miami-Dade County and provides participants with a per diem stipend. The inaugural EdXpert Fundamentals is slated to launch in July 2019 and consists of a half-day in-person workshop; with ongoing support throughout the school year via online tutorials, webinars, one-on-one coaching, and advanced workshops.
“Teachers are key to a successful economy,” said Lucas Hernandez, Civic Engagement Lead for Microsoft in Miami. “When all students have access to high-quality computer science education they develop skills critical to their future success, regardless of their career. Our partnership with Miami EdTech is part of Microsoft’s commitment to build the capacity of teachers in underserved communities to be CS certified and inspire their students to create the technology of the future.”
For Brandon Alfred, “EdXpert addresses a fundamental shortfall in quality resources and professional development opportunities available to computer science teachers, while simultaneously fostering much needed advancement in diversity, equity, and inclusion among the STEM community and its instructors.” Mr. Alfred is the Dean of Culture at José De Diego Middle School, a M-DCPS STEM-designated and Magnet Program (Visual Arts; Engineering & Robotics) Title I school located in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
To learn more about EdXpert, powered by Microsoft, and to register for the upcoming July 2019 EdXpert Fundamentals workshop, please visit www.miamiedtech.com/edxpert or email us directly at [email protected].
About Miami EdTech:
Miami EdTech® is an education technology non-profit on a mission to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within today’s educators. Substantiated by a flourishing teacher-tech-centric ecosystem and mutually beneficial cross-sector partnerships, Miami EdTech envisions a world where innovative technologies redefine education with real-world, scalable solutions. Leveraging bespoke programming – including Miami EdTech Accelerator, Social Innovation & Entrepreneurial Leadership ‘S.I.E.L.’ Incubator, and EdXpert powered by Microsoft – Miami EdTech and its partners work to address systemic challenges in education, provide a means for today’s educators to turn their tech-enabled solutions into successful enterprises, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in computer science education.
About Microsoft Cities Team:
Today, more than 80% of the country’s population lives in cities, and this number continues to increase. Rapid growth, increasing diversity, and the changing economy are bringing great opportunity and great challenges to Miami, and Miami is rising to meet them. To ensure we can address our biggest civic challenges and empower everyone to benefit from the opportunities the changing economy provides, we must collaborate across sectors to foster innovative, people-centered solutions. The Microsoft Cities team is committed to understanding local needs and opportunities, leveraging our resources, and working alongside local leaders to forge cross-sector partnerships that drive collective action and sustainable impact. Together, we can advance a future that is for everyone.
###