Programs
Our Programs
Stavros Center Programs, Workshops and Seminars
The Stavros Center hosts numerous *FREE* professional development opportunities throughout the school year and summer for K-12 educators. The workshops are aimed at arming teachers with tools for implementing economic education and financial literacy curriculum into their classrooms. Subject areas vary from Science, Social Science, Civics, Economics, Math, Sustainability and more.
We distribute fliers VIA district contacts within 6 surrounding counties including: Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota.
We look forward to having you join us for these exciting and interactive professional development activities. Below you will find a list of current programs and workshops for educators. For more information about upcoming workshops and seminars, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact us.
Every workshop has a "Registration Survey" button at the bottom of the description. One week before the workshop you have registered for, you will receive a confirmation email that includes details and parking information. Additionally, a reminder is sent the day before. In person workshops are held at USF Tampa in the Stavros Center (4111 USF Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620) from 5:30pm-8:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursday. Virtual Workshops vary.
Spring 2026 Semester Workshops:
February:
Thursday, February 26, 2026- Superheroes in the WILD!!! (Sustainability) Sponsored by: Coke Florida
Get ready to unleash your inner eco-educator beast in this wild and inspiring workshop focused on SDG 15: Life on Land. Wild About Sustainability takes you on a journey through the world of endangered animals, biodiversity, and habitat preservation — all through the lens of classroom learning. Discover how protecting wildlife and ecosystems connects directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explore creative ways to bring these global issues to life for your students. From understanding the role of sustainable land use and ecosystem services to engaging students in conservation through art, writing, and science, this session is packed with real-world examples and hands-on ideas. Perfect for teachers passionate about animals, nature, and global citizenship, this workshop will equip you with the tools to inspire the next generation of sustainability superheroes.
March:
***Wednesday, March 4, 2026- Sustainability Superheroes in *Orlando* (Sustainability) Sponsored by: Coke Florida
Ready to turn your students into real-world changemakers? In this engaging workshop,
educators will explore how recycling activities connect directly to standardsand discover
creative ways to use recycled materials in makerspaces and engineering design projects.
Students often hear alarming news about environmental issues, which can lead to feelings
of helplessness. This workshop equips you with the tools to empower your students—showing
them how small actions can make a big impact!
What You’ll Learn:
•How recycling supports science curriculum goals
•Creative uses for recycled items in STEM and makerspace activities
•Strategies to foster student agency and environmental responsibility
•Ways to inspire hope and action through hands-on learning
Join us and become a Sustainability Superhero—help your students see that they canmake
a difference!
Thursday. March 5, 2026- 50 Trainings (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Grow Financial
Step into a vibrant marketplace of innovation where financial literacy meets classroom creativity! In this interactive workshop, educators will explore a wide variety of hands-on, high-energy activitiesdesigned to transform traditional lessons into engaging experiences. Discover how to turn a simple worksheet into a dynamic learning tool and walk away with a toolkit full of classroom-ready strategies that can be implemented immediately.From elementary to high school, this session offers something for every grade level. Bring a favorite activity to barter and leave with a basket full of fresh ideas—traded, shared, and tailored to inspire your students and energize your teaching.Presented by Adam Kloperand Beverly Ledbetter.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026- Classroom Intelligence: Using Google AI for Learning Innovation (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Citi Bank
Thursday, March 26, 2026- Future Ready Problem Solving (Innovative Mindset) Sponsored by: William Gregory Foundation
April:
Thursday, April 9, 2026- Money Talks: Teaching Finance Through Theater, Music & AI Magic (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Grow Financial
Bring financial literacy to life through the power of performance! In this interactive workshop, educators will explore how role-play, skits, and songs can make complex financial concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and economic history both engaging and memorable for students. Participants will also discover how to use free AI tools, such as MagicSchool, to generate creative, standards-aligned content —including student-ready scripts and songs that turn money lessons into classroom hits. Whether you're teaching elementary or secondary students, this session will equip you with innovative strategies to connect with diverse learners, deepen understanding through storytelling, and integrate AI to support both creativity and curriculum goals. Perfect for educators looking to blend the arts, AI technology, and financial literacy in meaningful and exciting ways.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026- Don’t believe Everything you Believe ( Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Seacoast Bank
In a world flooded with misinformation, financial scams, and pseudoscience, students need more than just facts —they need the tools to think critically and make informed decisions. This interactive workshop equips educators with strategies and free classroom-ready resources to help students evaluate the credibility of online information, distinguish science from pseudoscience, analyze advertising and social media claims, and build financial literacy to recognize misleading financial products and scams. By integrating media literacy, scientific reasoning, and financial education, this session empowers teachers to foster a generation of thoughtful, skeptical, and financially aware learners —ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Thursday, April 16, 2026- Economics of a Revolution: The Declaration Reexamined (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Suncoast CU
Would you have signed the Declaration of Independence? The American Revolution wasn’t just about freedom—it was about finances. This hands-on workshop explores the economic forces that pushed the colonies toward independence. Teachers will analyze primary sources, simulate colonial trade, and examine how taxes, tariffs, and opportunity costs fueled revolutionary thinking. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use classroom activities connecting the Declaration’s ideals to the economic realities that inspired them. Presented by your Freedom-onomistsBen Donatelli and Beverly Ledbetter.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026- AP Micro Review (High School Students/Teachers)
Thursday, April 23, 2026- Building a Better World: Sustainability Superheroes Meet AI (Sustainability) Sponsored by: Coke Florida
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world — and it’s playing a powerful role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This dynamic workshop invites educators to explore how AI is being used to tackle global challenges like hunger, climate change, healthcare, and education. From smart farming and predictive water monitoring to personalized learning and sustainable urban planning, participants will discover real-world examples of AI in action. Educators will leave with classroom-ready resources and strategies to help students understand how technology can be a force for good — amplifying human potential and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026- AP Macro Review ( High School Students)
Thursday, April, 30, 2026- Creativity in the Age of AI (Innovative Mindset) Sponsored by: William Gregory Foundation
May:
Tuesday, May 5, 2026- Dinner, and a Movie: Title TBD (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Seacoast Bank
June:
Tuesday June 16- Thursday June 18, 2026- Stavros Center Summer Institute, Sponsored by: Grow Financial
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