June, 2011 
Weekly News
from PEN of Florida
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In This Issue
Discounts for Florida Teachers
NEWSWEEK's America's Best High Schools
Gerard Robinson is Florida's new commissioner of education
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Discounts for Florida Teachers

Below is a list of many discounts for educators in Florida. 

To see a full listing of educator discounts click here.

 

Florida Aquarium

See the Aquarium at your own pace to prepare for your field trip. Simply show proof of ID (current pay stub with teacher payroll code) at a ticket window for free admission. Family and friends are welcome but will be required to purchase their admission(s). Offer good during regular business hours. Teachers are counted in the chaperone total on field trip days. Museum also offers special "Teacher Workshops." For more information please visit: http://www.flaquarium.org! (Tampa)

Kennedy Space Center

Free 12 Month Educator Passes to Kennedy Space Center! Discover first hand how a field trip can enrich every student's education with the "Educator Study Pass." Full-time Florida and Georgia educators receive a free Annual Pass to explore the Kennedy Space Center themselves. Educators can enjoy all the benefits of admission, visit the NASA Educator Resource Center to learn about educational programs and receive new classroom materials. Teachers can also tour NASA's launch headquarters, meet a real astronaut and watch exhilarating IMAX movies. To be eligible for an Educator's Study Pass, educators must possess a valid Florida or Georgia teacher certificate and be currently employed at an accredited school as a full-time K-12 classroom educator. To receive an Educator Study Pass, educators must present these items to the ticket agents located at the ticket plaza. Professional educators can visit the NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) to receive information, copy NASA videotapes, reproduce software, slides and videotapes, and review lesson plans and other teaching materials. For details on available materials or to make an appointment, call the ERC at (321) 867-4090. (Orsino-45 min. NE of Titusville)

Mote Aquarium

Teachers, come explore the secrets of the sea for free. Mote Aquarium offers one free ticket for each teacher presenting a pay stub at our admissions desk. This offer covers one teacher only and does not extend to accompanying guests. Mote Aquarium is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 365 days a year and features more than 100 marine species, including manatees, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and fish of all shapes and sizes. Learn more at http://www.mote.org. Also check out Mote's education programs for school groups at http://www.mote.org/education.

Orlando Broadway Across America

Inquire about discount tickets for teachers, available at: http://www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/groupsales Password: schoolbroadway. Upcoming shows include Legally Blonde, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jersey Boys and STOMP. (Orlando)

Orlando Museum of Art

Inquire about annual educator pass discounted membership. Details: (407) 896-4231. (Orlando)

Ringling Museum of Art

Teachers receive reduced admission prices when touring the beautiful Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Visit http://www.ringling.org/Plan2.aspx?id=110 for complete details.

SeaWorld

For the thirteenth year, SeaWorld Orlando thanks teachers by offering a Teacher Study Pass to all active and certified K-12 grade school instructors. The Study Pass allows unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando now through 12/31/2011, with no blackout dates.

For even more savings, until May 31, teachers can purchase up to six additional tickets at $20 off each admission, sharing the SeaWorld Orlando fun with family and friends.

Getting the "Study Pass" is easy. Teachers simply bring their Florida teaching certificate, recent paystub and photo ID to any ticket window at SeaWorld Orlando's front gate. There they can purchase discounted admission for family and friends.

The "Study Pass" is intended to be an inspiration, too. Whether it's visiting Penguin Encounter to prepare for a classroom session on environmental issues in the southern hemisphere or riding Manta, the flying roller coaster, to help explain physics and gravity, the park's experiences give teachers the unique opportunity to use their SeaWorld visit to help enhance their curriculum.

More details can be found at http://www.SeaWorldOrlandoTeachers.com.

South Florida Museum

See the Museum, Planetarium and Aquarium at your own pace to prepare for your field trip. Simply show proof of ID at the admissions desk for free admission. Family and friends are welcome but will be required to purchase their admission(s). Offer good during regular business hours-visit http://www.southfloridamuseum.org (Bradenton)

Wet 'N Wild Teacher and Staff Appreciation

In thanks to you, for everything you do, Wet 'n Wild would like you to enjoy SPLASHtacular savings! Download and print promotion flyer (Word, 644KB) for presentation at the gate.

Hotels/Lodging/Resorts

Amelia Island Thanks Florida Teachers with Special Rates, Discounts

In appreciation of the state's hard-working educators, Florida's Amelia Island is offering special rates and discounts to all Florida teachers. In partnership with the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, four of the island destination's award-winning accommodators are offering deals that put teachers at the head of the class. http://www.ameliaisland.com/florida-teachers-2010/

Comfort Inn Oceanside - Deerfield Beach

Teachers and Family Special Family rates from $65.00 plus tax.

The hotel is located steps away from Deerfield Beach and includes:

  • 69 spacious rooms with tropical decor
  • Complimentary daily deluxe continental breakfast
  • Poolside Bar with Dual water slide tower at the pool
  • Exercise room
  • Mini golf putting green
  • Free Wifi
  • Microwave, mini-refrigerator, and coffeemakers
  • 27 inch remote control TV with free cable, pay preview movies
  • Pet friendly

 

Call (866) 866-2326 or (954) 428-0650 for complete details. Be sure to ask for "Teachers Special Rate."

Comfort Suites Sawgrass

Our all suite hotel is ideally located near restaurants, shopping, and major exits. With free deluxe breakfast, free high speed internet, spacious suites, heated pool and hot tub, you are assured an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Present your teacher ID when making your reservation. Call and ask for the special rate for Teachers (954) 343-1322 OR gm.fl656@choicehotels.com . http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/fl656

 

Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale

Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale would like to extend an offer for summer for the Florida Teachers. We will be offering a $109 rate from May through September (based on availability).

Book Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale today
Or call 1-888 236 2427.and ask for code PX3

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld would like to salute teachers by extending our "Heroes Salute" promotion to them as well as the armed forces and first responders. After all Teachers are Heroes Too!

The rate is 50% off our best available rate (subject to availability) through summer.

Link to book at Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Galleria Palms Hotel

Galleria Palms Hotel would like to thank teachers for all you do. To show our appreciation, we invite you to take advantage of our Teacher Appreciate Rate and save 20% on your next stay, plus complimentary daily breakfast. Enjoy all the thrills and excitement that Orlando and Kissimmee has to offer. Refer to the code TEACH. To learn more, visit http://www.galleriakissimmeehotel.com/ap-teacher-appreciation-rate-1301517389.php.

Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Resort is dedicated to honoring Florida teachers, faculty and school administrators for their hard work and devotion to impacting students' lives. We're excited to continue our Florida Teacher Appreciation rate of $99 now through December 31, 2011. We invite you to share this exclusive offer with your peers. Orlando is the perfect destination for educators, with various teacher specials being offered by area theme parks and attractions. More information on Gaylord Palms Resort. To book your stay, visit: http://bit.ly/e6EbpR Use code TEACH11 when booking!

Holiday Inn Express Juno Beach/Jupiter

A boutique resort, steps from the beach. Each room has its own private balcony with a view of the ocean or our heated pool & tropical courtyard.
  • 5 million dollar renovation - All new rooms and villas complete with microwave, refrigerator, 36 " flat screen television and free wi-fi
  • Complimentary deluxe hot breakfast buffet
  • Poolside fitness center
  • On site casual Seafood Restaurant serving Fresh Seafood daily

To book a reservation please call and ask for the "West Palm Beach.com" rate of 1/14/11- 2/28/11 $109.00, 3/1/11-4/30/11 $159.00, 5/1/11-12/31/11 $79.00. Toll free: (800) 272-6380 Hotel: (561) 622-4366 or visit us at http://www.hiejuno.com.

13950 US Hwy 1
Juno Beach, Florida 33408

Omphoy Ocean Resort

Preferred Hotels and Resorts
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Teachers & Educators can enjoy a discount of 30% Off Room Rates through September, American Breakfast for Two Daily, and 20% Off Resort Dining.
Start planning your trip now.

ResortQuest

ResortQuest is proud to now offer a 15% discount for teachers and educational staff. Stay two or more nights at select ResortQuest properties from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida, and receive a 15% discount. Call 588-208-2029 and ask for promotion $EDCU

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

Special Florida Teachers rate of $199.00 per night plus 11% tax. Our special 2011 Promotional Rate to all Florida Teachers gives you and your family the opportunity to experience a family friendly ocean front beach resort and Eau Spa by Cornelia. This promotion includes a Resort View Room (1 king or 2 double beds) and valet parking for one car. The special rate is available during May 4, 2011 - September 30, 2011 (this promotion is based upon availability at time of booking and cannot be combined with any other offers).

To make reservations please call The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach room reservations at (561) 533-6000 (refer to rate code: TEAP). You must show a valid Florida Teachers or Florida District ID upon check in.

Sheraton Sand Key Resort

We would like to welcome all State of Florida Teachers to our island, where our backyard is the Gulf of Mexico. Sink your toes into 10 acres of powder-white sand at our exclusive beach resort located on Clearwater Beach. The Sheraton Sand Key is offering teachers extra special rates from June 1, 2011 until the end of the year - $129.00 Single/Double plus 12% tax per room per night. Children 18 years and under stay in the same room at no extra charge and No Resort or Parking fees are added on. Rates are subject to availability.

Please Call Reservations at 800-456-SAND and ask for the "Florida Teacher's" special rate. More hotel information on our website at www.sheratonsandkey.com.

Sheraton Suites Plantation

We are introducing our Summer Teacher Package. In appreciation of your service we are offering a special Service Salute Getaway with a special 50% discount*, just for you! *Valid Education Employment ID required at check-in. Based on availability, valid through December 31, 2011. Find and book Sheraton Suites Plantation.

Summer Vacation Special from Preferred Hotel Group

For all your hard work and dedication to helping children learn and grow, Preferred Hotel Group would like to say "Thank you" with a relaxing, rejuvenating, and pampering summer stay at one of our select hotels and resorts in Florida and the Caribbean.

From June 1 through September 30, 2011, you'll enjoy at least 20% off our best available summer rates, plus additional benefits and amenities unique to each hotel, such as free breakfast, massages, dining discounts, and even kite-boarding lessons.

Start planning your trip now.

P.S. Become an I Prefer member and receive even more benefits, including space-available upgrades, free Internet access, and more. Register for free and include the details in your reservation.

TradeWinds Thanks Teachers with Low Beach Getaway Rates!

Rates at the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach have been deeply discounted for education professionals for selected dates in June. Standard hotel rooms at the Sandpiper have been discounted to $69 (a $195 value), while hotel rooms at the Island Grand are $79 (a value of $195). Please note: The $25 per night resort amenity fee is not included and will be in addition to these rates. Discounts are also available on other room types and dates.

TradeWinds Island Grand is the family-friendly resort with tons of fun under the sun including a new, inflatable water park, while TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites is the more intimate resort with an adults-only pool courtyard for peaceful relaxation. Teachers and school staff can visit the website at www.JustLetGo.com/Teacher or call the reservations office direct at 800-249-2501 for dates, discounts on other room types, and all details and restrictions. Your Education ID must be provided at check-in. The following dates are currently available, but will book up quickly at these rates! June 1, 2, 5-8, 12-16, 26, 27. All dates have limited availability and are subject to change.

Wyndham Hotel Tampa

Teacher Appreciation Hotel Special

$79 per night with Breakfast Buffet for 2 guests (breakfast is a $30 value)

Based upon availability. Rate offered from April 1st to August 15th 2011

NEWSWEEK's America's Best High Schools

 

These are challenging times for secondary education. Cash-strapped school districts are cutting back; No Child Left Behind mandates test results; parents and students stress unabated. NEWSWEEK, which has been ranking the top public high schools in America for more than a decade, revamped its methodology this year in hopes of highlighting solutions. We enlisted a panel of experts-Wendy Kopp of Teach For America, Tom Vander Ark of Open Education Solutions (formerly executive director for education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and Linda Darling-Hammond, Stanford professor of education and founder of the School Redesign Network-to develop a yardstick that fully reflects a school's success turning out college-ready (and life-ready) students. To this end, each school's score is comprised of six components: graduation rate (25%), college matriculation rate (25%), AP tests taken per graduate (25%), average SAT/ACT scores (10%), average AP/IB/AICE scores (10%), and AP courses offered (5%). (For more information on how these rankings were tabulated, see our Full Methodology.)

  

Read more of this Newsweek article here.  

Gerard Robinson is Florida's new commissioner of education

By Marlene Sokol and Jeffrey S. Solochek,

Times Staff Writers 

 

TAMPA - By his own account, Gerard Robinson the teenager was not a stellar student.

He spent most of his time playing football, partying and chasing girls. His first stop after high school was El Camino, a two-year college in Torrance, Calif.

A quarter-century later, he's a high-profile advocate for parents' rights to choose the best school settings for their children.

On Tuesday morning, he became Florida's commissioner of education.

Robinson, 44, replaces Eric Smith, who resigned in March when it became apparent that he and Gov. Rick Scott had different objectives.

Scott made it clear he favored Robinson, Virginia's education secretary, from a field of five who interviewed with the state's Board of Education on Monday afternoon in Tampa.

Members Roberto Martinez and Akshay Desai said they got calls from the governor asking that they vote for Robinson and indicating he was reaching out to the entire board.

 

Read more of this St. Petersburg Times news article

here