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HELIOS INVESTS IN TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Partnership aims to increase quality of civics education in Florida

Helios Education Foundation is partnering with the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship to implement a statewide professional development training program for middle school teachers.  As a result of Helios'  investment of more than $550,000, the Center will be offering weekly training programs for middle school teachers throughout Florida during the summers of 2008 and 2009.

“Helios Education Foundation is focused on changing lives through education, and our greatest area of emphasis is the middle school years, including teacher professional development,” said the Foundation’s President and CEO Paul Luna. “We are pleased to partner with the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship, a multi-university, public-private collaboration that will ultimately improve the quality of civics education statewide.”

Teachers participating in the week long summer training program will be able to do so at no cost. As part of the program, they will participate in curriculum centered on providing students with the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States. The curriculum also promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and the development of important civic skills. It ultimately helps students understand what they need to know to be effective citizens.

Under the leadership of former Senator Graham and former Congressman Frey, the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship will work to coordinate efforts to improve civics education in Florida and provide leadership to help make civics a priority in Florida’s teacher education programs. It will also encourage the use of classroom materials that help students understand government in the state and in communities where they live.

“The opportunity to partner with Helios Education Foundation provides the Joint Center with an immediate opportunity to make an important difference,” said Senator Graham. “We are grateful to the Foundation for its willingness to make an investment in the quality of citizenship. Florida’s future depends on it.”

Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Press Conference Highlights

	Governor Charlie Crist addresses a crowd at the January 31, 2008 press conference at Florida's Capitol in Tallahassee.  He saluted the partnership between Helios Education Foundation and the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship in his remarks.
	Helios Education Foundation President/CEO, Paul Luna, shares the Foundation's vision for improving education in Florida and his appreciation for the support of Governor Crist, former Senator Bob Graham and former Congressman Lou Frey.
	Paul Luna, Helios' president/CEO, presents a $556,000 check, to former Congressman Graham and former Senator Frey, represenatives of the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship, along with Govenor Crist.
	Former Senator Graham responds to media questions about the importance of improved civics education in Florida while former Congressman Frey and Helios Education Foundation President/CEO, Paul Luna, listen in.