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

Spring 2026 Semester Workshops:

April:

Thursday, April 9, 2026- Money Talks: Teaching Finance Through Theater, Music & AI Magic (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Grow Financial

Bring financial literacy to life through the power of performance! In this interactive workshop, educators will explore how role-play, skits, and songs can make complex financial concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and economic history both engaging and memorable for students. Participants will also discover how to use free AI tools, such as MagicSchool, to generate creative, standards-aligned content ג€”including student-ready scripts and songs that turn money lessons into classroom hits. Whether you're teaching elementary or secondary students, this session will equip you with innovative strategies to connect with diverse learners, deepen understanding through storytelling, and integrate AI to support both creativity and curriculum goals. Perfect for educators looking to blend the arts, AI technology, and financial literacy in meaningful and exciting ways.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026- Donג€™t believe Everything you Believe ( Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Seacoast Bank

In a world flooded with misinformation, financial scams, and pseudoscience, students need more than just facts ג€”they need the tools to think critically and make informed decisions. This interactive workshop equips educators with strategies and free classroom-ready resources to help students evaluate the credibility of online information, distinguish science from pseudoscience, analyze advertising and social media claims, and build financial literacy to recognize misleading financial products and scams. By integrating media literacy, scientific reasoning, and financial education, this session empowers teachers to foster a generation of thoughtful, skeptical, and financially aware learners ג€”ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Thursday, April 16, 2026- Economics of a Revolution: The Declaration Reexamined (Financial Literacy) Sponsored by: Suncoast CU

Would you have signed the Declaration of Independence? The American Revolution wasnג€™t just about freedomג€”it was about finances. This hands-on workshop explores the economic forces that pushed the colonies toward independence. Teachers will analyze primary sources, simulate colonial trade, and examine how taxes, tariffs, and opportunity costs fueled revolutionary thinking. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use classroom activities connecting the Declarationג€™s ideals to the economic realities that inspired them. Presented by your Freedom-onomistsBen Donatelli and Beverly Ledbetter.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026- AP Micro Review (High School Students/Teachers)

The USF Stavros Center is pleased to partner with HCPS to offer review sessions for students preparing to take the AP Macro and Micro exams. These sessions are FREE OF CHARGE to any high school student taking the exam in May. Teachers may also attend. Whether you're aiming for a top score or striving to solidify your grasp of complex concepts, our review sessions will provide the support you need to excel.

AP Microeconomics: Tuesday, April 21st (5:30-8:30pm): Dive deep into the fundamental
microeconomics concepts, from supply and demand to market structures and consumer
behavior. Led by Stavros Center Master Teachers Brian Ayers, Brian Wassmuth, and
Andrew Tillman. This session will offer a comprehensive overview of key topics, along
with practical tips and strategies for mastering exam questions.

Thursday, April 23, 2026- Building a Better World: Sustainability Superheroes Meet AI (Sustainability) Sponsored by: Coke 91ֹחַר

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world ג€” and itג€™s playing a powerful role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This dynamic workshop invites educators to explore how AI is being used to tackle global challenges like hunger, climate change, healthcare, and education. From smart farming and predictive water monitoring to personalized learning and sustainable urban planning, participants will discover real-world examples of AI in action. Educators will leave with classroom-ready resources and strategies to help students understand how technology can be a force for good ג€” amplifying human potential and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026- AP Macro Review ( High School Students)

AP Macroeconomics: Tuesday, April 28th (5:30-8:30pm): Gear up for exam success!
This session will delve into the core principles of macroeconomics, covering topics
such as economic indicators, fiscal policy, monetary policy, international trade, and more.

Thursday, April, 30, 2026- Creativity in the Age of AI (Innovative Mindset) Sponsored by: William Gregory Foundation

Educators will explore how to design and build their own AI-powered classroom tools to enhance student learning and innovation. Rather than relying solely on pre-built platforms, participants will learn how to create customized AI workflows that support brainstorming, design, writing, research, and problem-solving ג€” all while keeping student voice and originality at the center.The session will highlight practical strategies for structuring prompts, shaping AI outputs, and developing classroom-ready systems that use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. Educators will leave with adaptable tools theyג€™ve built themselves ג€” empowering students to generate ideas, refine their thinking, and engage creatively while building future-ready digital skills.

May:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026- Dinner, and a Movie: The Lorax (Economics) Sponsored by: Seacoast Bank

Bring economics to life through storytelling in this engaging professional development workshop centered on The Lorax. Designed for Kג€“12 educators, this session explores how a familiar and beloved film can become a powerful tool for teaching capitalism, entrepreneurship, and ethical decision-making.
Participants will dive into ready-to-use, classroom-friendly activities that unpack big ideas like supply and demand, innovation, marketing, corporate responsibility, and environmental impact. From hands-on simulations to creative design challenges and thought-provoking discussions, youג€™ll walk away with strategies that are both highly engaging for students and easy to implement.
Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, this workshop will help you connect real-world economic concepts to your curriculum in meaningful and memorable ways. Leave with practical resources, adaptable lesson ideas, and a fresh perspective on using storytelling to spark critical thinking.
Your classroom has the power to spark real change!Start making a difference in your classroom today.

June:

Tuesday June 16- Thursday June 18, 2026- Stavros Center Summer Institute, Sponsored by: Grow Financial

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