A workshop for parents to get help to support their child and their child’s teacher can make the task of virtual classrooms less difficult to manage.

The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has partnered with the University of West Florida to offer six workshops for parents.

“We are excited to partner with the University of West Florida,” said Kristie Kelly, executive director at the Foundation. “Their faculty will share strategies to support your student’s success in face-to-face, virtual and blended learning environments.

“We are also grateful for the grant funding provided by Wells Fargo & Company—an American multinational financial services provider.”

The virtual sessions in this series, titled “Supporting Your Student,” will be on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in February through April. Each session begins at 5 p.m. with a 30-minute workshop followed by 15 minutes for questions from parents.

UWF faculty from the departments of teacher education and educational leadership and instructional design and technology are presenting the workshops.

Few things have had more far-reaching and intimately disruptive effects on children’s schedules and their sense of what’s predictable than the shutdowns and shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of the pandemic hasn't stopped: families are struggling with the technological demands of remote learning, dividing focus between work and child-care, and trying to make sure children are getting the resources they need.

“As a result of the pandemic, parents have suddenly found themselves thrust in the role of teacher without any formal training,” said Dr. John Pecore, professor and associate chair of teacher education and educational leadership. “It has created a tremendous need that our faculty expertise can support. We are excited to offer this service to the community.”

Pre-registration is required. Please email [email protected] for more information and to sign up for one or more workshops.

The dates, topics and presenters are listed below. A ZOOM link will be sent to those who have pre-registered. A reminder will also be emailed on the days of the events.

Communicating Regularly with Teachers

Presenters: Dr. Aneta Walker, Dr. James Dickson and Dr. Amany Habib

Setting Clear Expectations and Goals

Presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Bemiss and Dr. Kathleen Heubach

Establishing Routines and Systems to Stay Organized

Presenters: Dr. Tim Morse and Dr. Holley Handley

Encouraging and Motivating for Success

Presenters: Dr. Nguyen Nguyen and Dr. Jennifer Mesa

Creating a Positive Environment for At-home Learning

Presenters: Dr. John Pecore, Dr. Melanie DiLoreto and Dr. Minkyoung Kim

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Children with Special Needs

Presenters: Dr. Keri Fogle and Dr. Shim Lew