Education News

Marco Island, known as the largest barrier island (four by six miles) within Southwest Florida’s islands has more than three miles of white sand beaches loaded with shells in a variety of distinctive sizes and shapes. Shells like starfish, sandollars, ...

If Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” were at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) on a recent Friday, she would surely have reason to exclaim “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!”

Tuesday, the Collier School Board approved the 2012-13 academic calendar that will end the second quarter and exams before winter break. “We had to focus on our priority — student learning,” said district H

The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program brings awareness to the teaching profession in Lee County by recognizing top teachers in the district, according to a news release.

He worked for Collier County Schools for more than 20 years. “He loved the field of education,” Margaret Jackson said. “He just had a way with children.”

It's been five months since principals and administrators conducted the first teacher observations using the new state-mandated evaluation system. This time period was considered the "hold harmless," or testing period. Come mid-January, the new teacher evaluation system will count

Collier County schools have stuck with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, even as other departments across the state cut it from classrooms and researchers continue to debate whether it's a waste of students' time. About 3,000 fifth-graders go through ...

The 2nd graders at Tommie Barfield Elementary entertained a holiday crowd performing "flakes" complete with dialogue & song directed by music instructor Lisa Braren.

Tommie Barfield Elementary’s “Morning Musicians” played an afternoon gig Wednesday, and judging from the reception, they’re ready for the bigtime. Fifty strong, the fourth and fifth graders, led by music teacher Lisa Braren, crowded into Konrad’s Restaurant to perform a ...

Marco Island Academy continues to strengthen its foundation, according to board member Chris Schemel, and recently hired two new teachers. Former Marco Island Charter Middle School teacher Rob Eder signed a one year contract with the charter high school. Eder ...

When Pat Pschigoda started working in the cafeteria at Tommie Barfield Elementary, Jimmy Carter was President, Beef-a-Roni was state-of-the-art nutrition, and Marco Island had a lot fewer residents. Pschigoda hung up her apron Wednesday, after 33 years providing lunches for ...

A little holiday cheer and a lot of educational hope framed Dr. Kamela Patton’s first Town Hall meeting on Marco Island. Patton has six months under her belt as Collier Schools Superintendent. On Monday, she stepped forward to involve the ...

The 31 teachers honored this year will continue in the Golden Apple selection process, which involves more classroom observations and two 15 minute interviews by the community-based selection committee. Fro

Education leaders have called for businesses to invest in an interest in education. And businesses have asked that schools better prepare students for real-life careers. So Roberta Harris, a teacher and leader for the Manatee Middle Future Business Leaders Club, ...

“You have to weigh the cost,” LaBute said. “In order to pay for more teachers, what are you giving up? It’s a judgment call. What resources are more beneficial to student achievement?” She said the money t