Preparing Students to Drive the Future Workforce at Oceanway Middle

By Rhosalee Mangalindan-Stewart

Oceanway Middle School

By 2030, more than 70% of jobs will require education or training beyond high school, and employers consistently say skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential for success. Through the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Educator Industry Immersion experience, supported by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), teachers at Oceanway Middle School have been working to ensure students begin developing those skills now.

This school year, Oceanway Middle’s team - Mr. Andrew Sori, Mr. Kevin Monroe, Mr. Thomas Silas, Ms. Donshay, Herbert, Ms. Apryl Jones, and I - applied what we learned during the immersion experience to better prepare students for the future workforce by integrating real-world problem solving, hands-on learning, and career exploration into both classroom instruction and extracurricular programs.

The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Educator Industry Immersion connects educators with industry leaders to better understand workforce needs across Florida. The experience challenged us to rethink how classroom lessons can mirror real-world challenges and career pathways.

At Oceanway Middle, we focused on three strategies: student-led learning, hands-on STEM exposure, and strong schoolwide collaboration.

First, we shifted instruction to allow students to take the lead in their learning. Instead of relying only on lectures, students explored real-world scenarios and presented their findings to their peers. In financial algebra, students performed skits based on real-life financial situations such as budgeting, loans, and compound interest. Students also researched real-world topics, created presentations, and presented them in front of their classmates—building communication, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

Second, we expanded hands-on experiences that expose students to STEM careers. Through labs and applied problem-solving activities, students see how math, science, and technology connect to real industries. Our after-school STEM and leadership clubs give students additional opportunities to explore their interests.

Finally, collaboration across our school community helps bring these experiences to life. On November 13, Oceanway Middle hosted a career talk where students heard from a U.S. Navy SONAR technician, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement forensic analyst, an aeronautical engineer, and nurses who shared their career journeys. Additional guest speakers visit throughout the year, including a physician, medical students, entrepreneurs, and a professional chef.

Oceanway Middle also hosted a STEM Cup Challenge with 42 student participants. Community leaders served as judges, including a JEA electrician, a JTA Special Projects Manager, a Duval County School Board member, and DCPS science leadership.

Oceanway Middle is also proud to offer unique opportunities in Duval County Public Schools, including the SOAR Club focused on aviation, aeronautics, and drones, and an AI elective course.

Through these experiences, students are not just learning content; they are gaining the skills, confidence, and career awareness needed to succeed in the future workforce.