Written by: Zuleyka Castro, Chief Program Officer, Hillsborough Education Foundation
Education Day for Leadership Tampa didn’t start on the bus; it started in the classroom. Before we even gathered as a group, many of us stepped into the role of educator through a teacher shadow experience. Some classmates fully embraced their moment, teaching civics lessons and proctoring math tests (which, to no one’s surprise, triggered strong emotional reactions from adults who thought they left math behind years ago). Others witnessed a quieter reality, students who lack confidence and classrooms where teachers are doing everything they can but simply don’t have the time to give every child one-on-one attention. It was an honest and humbling start to a day centered around education.
The Big Question: What Is Education Preparing Students For?
Our day officially began at The University of Tampa with a powerhouse panel of higher education leaders, including presidents and a provost representing institutions across our region.
One theme came through loud and clear: change is no longer coming, it’s already here.
Artificial intelligence was named the biggest disruptor facing higher education. But even more striking was the collective acknowledgment that the value of a traditional college degree is being questioned. As University of South Florida President Moez Limayem shared, employers and communities increasingly want proof of skills, not just credentials.
The panel emphasized the urgent need for:
- Stronger industry partnerships
- A more responsive talent pipeline
- Faster pathways to produce employees where shortages are critical such as teachers and nurses.
Beyond technical skills, there was a deeper call to action; education must also teach how to think, communicate, and even disagree respectfully. In a rapidly changing world, those human skills may matter most.
Big District, Big Opportunities
While the day focused on post-secondary education, it was important to hear about what was happening in our K-12 spaces and what role Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) plays in the talent pipeline discussion. HCPS is the 7th largest school district in the nation with nearly 220,000 students and over 230 K-12 schools. While the size alone is impressive, what stood out even more was how intentional the opportunities are. Students aren’t limited to one path, they can step into rigorous academic programs like AP, Dual Enrollment, AICE, and IB, all designed to challenge them and give them a head start on college and careers.
These programs aren’t just about academics; they’re about exposure and confidence. They allow students to see themselves in advanced spaces earlier, to test their abilities, and to start shaping their futures before they even graduate high school. In a district this large and diverse, creating that kind of access is no small task. And yet, it’s happening. Not perfectly, not without challenges, but in a way that shows a real commitment to meeting students where they are and giving them options.
Where Passion Meets Practical Skills
Our visit to Erwin Technical College brought education to life in the most hands-on way.
We toured a few of over 20 career certificate programs they offer, and yes, we saw a semi constructed house…built inside a dumpster.
It was innovation, creativity, and workforce readiness all rolled into one.
But what truly made the visit memorable was the leadership. The pride among staff was palpable. With low turnover and a culture that celebrates its people, it was clear: this is a place where people want to be. And that energy flows directly into student success.
A huge thank you to the Culinary Program students for a delicious lunch.
Pepin Academies: A Standing Ovation
At Pepin Academies, we experienced something special, a sneak peek of The Wizard of Oz ahead of opening night.
If this were a play review, it would read:
Heartwarming. Funny. A must-see.
These students, with a varying degree of special needs, didn’t just perform, they shined. The care, intention, and support behind the scenes were just as powerful as what we saw on stage. Pepin is more than a school, it’s a community committed to ensuring that every student, especially those who need it most, have the opportunity to thrive.
From Classroom to Career
Our final stop at CareerSource Tampa Bay connected all the dots.
We heard from Jacquelyn, a student at Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), who made a bold career pivot from marketing to an EMT apprenticeship in pursuit of more meaningful work. Her story was a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear, but they can be intentional.
Shadel Hamilton from UMA emphasized the importance of community partnerships in ensuring students are not just getting educated but also employed.
We ended the day observing a virtual reality career exploration tool. Seeing how technology can immerse individuals in potential career paths before they even step into a role was a glimpse into the future of workforce development.
Final Thoughts
Education Day wasn’t just about schools; it was about systems and how every piece must work together to support students from their earliest learning experiences to meaningful careers.
It challenged us, as leaders, to rethink how we define success, strengthen partnerships between education and industry, and invest in both skills and humanity.
As my Leadership Tampa classmate Felix Pulido shared, “I now have a deeper understanding that rich educational experiences ensure our universities and workforce continue to thrive with the growth we are experiencing across Tampa Bay. While the state of education is strained in some areas, it continues to innovate ways to be bountiful for all—and that is so impressive to me.”
At the end of the day, education isn’t just preparing students for jobs, it’s preparing them for life.
Thank you to our sponsors at AACSB. Your work and dedication to the field of education continues to provide a positive societal impact.