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 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 ±«Óãtv Tampa in the Stavros Center (4111 ±«Óãtv Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620) from 5:30pm-8:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursday. Virtual Workshops vary.

Spring 2025 schedule and Survey links:

  • **Sarasota/MANATEE County only- "Getting Started With AI." Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. mANATEE tECHNICAL cOLLEGE (6305 FL-70, BRADENTON, FL 34203)

Join us for an engaging Generative AI workshop designed specifically for educators! Explore how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning by enabling personalized experiences, enhancing creativity, and streamlining administrative tasks. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn toeasily create new and better materials and explore free practical tools, and innovative techniques to integrate AI into your classroom. Whether you’retech-savvy or just beginning to explore AI, this workshop will provide you with actionable insights and strategies to empower both you and your students in the digital age. Come ready to collaborate, experiment, and leave with fresh ideas for harnessing AI to unlock new possibilities in education.

*The first 30 Teachers to register and attend are eligible for a $50 Stipend

* Every educator attending will receive PD credit through your district and resources for your classroom.

  • Virtual Workshop- "Empower Your Students' Financial Future:" A Comprehensive Professional Development Series-

  • Thursdays 5-6pm, March 27- April 10

Join us for an engaging and transformative Financial Literacy 
professional development series designed to equip high school educators with the tools and 
resources to teach the new financial literacy standards effectively. These sessions will cover 
essential topics such as budgeting, credit, investing, and financial decision-making, aligning 
with updated curriculum requirements. Gain access to day-to-day resources, best practices, 
and expert guidance to confidently integrate financial literacy project based learning and 
personal application into your classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to empower the next 
generation with the skills they need for a financially secure future!

  • "Imperialism: For the Glory of Your Nation:" *Rescheduled* Thursday, April 10, 2025 (5:30pm-8:30pm) usf stavros center- 4111 usf willow dr, tampa, fl. 33620

World Power. Domination. Economic Advantage. Your government must carefully study the world situation. You must decide where your country will invest its power factors. Through strategic planning, you must skillfully maneuver your nation into a position of dominance - For The Glory of Your Nation! This hands-on workshop is designed to provide teachers with tools and resources for teaching imperialism in an engaging, meaningful way fostering collaborative critical economic thinking in your classroom. You will actively participate in a simulation and walk away with a fresh approach to teaching imperialism.  This workshop is designed for middle and high school teachers (the required math skills and topic may not be suitable for elementary students) Presented by Ben Donatelli and Beverly Ledbetter.

*The first 30 Teachers to register and attend are eligible for a $50 Stipend made possible by our generous sponsors.

  • sUSTAINABILITY sUPERHERO'S- "sUSTAINABLE eNERGY:" tUESDAY, aPRIL 15, 2025 (5:30PM-8:30PM) usf sTAVROS CENTER- 4111 usf wILLOW dR. tAMPA, fL.  33620 

Energy is a crucial topic to learn about because it plays a fundamental role in our daily lives, powering everything from homes and workplaces to transportation and communication systems. It significantly impacts the global economy, influencing resource management, economic policies, and job creation in various sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and technology. Additionally, the way we produce and use energy has profound environmental implications, including climate change and pollution, making it essential to find sustainable solutions. Technological advancements in energy, such as renewable sources and energy storage, are vital for future development and sustainability. Furthermore, energy resources can affect geopolitical relationships and national security, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing these complex issues.

*The first 30 Teachers to register and attend are eligible for a $50 Stipend made possible by our generous sponsors.

  • "King Arthur Meets the Law of Supply and Demand:" Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (5:30pm-8:30pm) ±«Óãtv Stavros Center- 4111 ±«Óãtv Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620

Join us for a joust through the quirks of feudal economics in King Arthur Meets the Law of Supply and Demand.  This role-play is a kinesthetic, experiential exercise mirroring situations in medieval history. You’ll play as a noble or knight bartering your way through medieval markets where land is the key to survival.  In this fun-filled, competitive adventure, you'll build feudal estates, enter economic alliances, fend off nomadic invaders, and maybe declare war on another noble or knight for land and power! You’ll discover key economic terms – supply and demand, trade, barter, voluntary exchange, markets, risk, cost/benefit analysis, incentives, entrepreneurship, and perhaps a bit of feudal drama! This workshop promises hands-on learning, and plenty of medieval market mayhem to bring back to your students—no sword training required! Presented by their Majesties- Lisa Lawson and Beverly Ledbetter.

*The first 30 Teachers to register and attend are eligible for a $50 Stipend made possible by our generous sponsors.

  • ap mICRO rEVIEW (hIGH sCHOOL eCONOMICS sTUDENTS): tUESDAY, aPRIL 24, 2025 (5:30pm-8:30pm) ±«Óãtv STavros Center- 4111 ±«Óãtv Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl.  33620

  • AP Macro Review (High School Students): Tuesday, May 1, 2025 (5:30pm-8:30pm) ±«Óãtv Stavros Center- 4111 ±«Óãtv Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620 

  • From Reel to Real Life:
    Sweet Lessons from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:" tUESDAY, mAY  6, 2025 (5:30PM-8:30PM) usf sTAVROS cENTER- 4111 usf wILLOW dR. 33620

Dive into the whimsical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and discover how the 1971 classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" can be a powerful teaching tool. This workshop explores academic concepts in economics, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the moral foundations of capitalism through the lens of this beloved film. Teachers will learn to use scenes and characters to illustrate topics like scarcity, innovation, ethical production, and incentives. From Charlie’s humble beginnings to Wonka’s creative empire, we’ll uncover engaging ways to teach financial literacy, environmental responsibility, and the virtues and vices of capitalism. Designed for elementary, middle, and high school educators, this session offers practical lesson ideas adaptable to any grade level. Leave with resources and inspiration to bring these timeless lessons to your classroom. Get ready to make teaching as sweet as a Wonka Bar!

*The first 30 Teachers to register and attend are eligible for a $50 Stipend made possible by our generous sponsors.

 

 

Stavros Center Mailing List

Sign-up to receive emails about future events and activities hosted by the Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education.