Programs
Our Programs
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 ϳԹ Tampa in the Stavros Center (4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620) from 5:30pm-8:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursday. Virtual Workshops vary.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Brian Wassmuth and Denise Kanner
AI 101:
Discover how Generative AI can transform the way you teach personal finance and
economics. In this hands-on workshop, educators will explore practical AI tools that
save time, enhance instruction, and create engaging, real-world learning experiences
for students. Learn how to use effective prompting techniques to generate lesson plans,
assessments, simulations, case studies, and differentiated activities aligned to financial
literacy and economics standards. Explore AI-powered strategies for teaching budgeting,
saving, investing, entrepreneurship, and economic decision-making in meaningful and
accessible ways.
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Brian Wassmuth and Angel Danger
AI-Powered Teaching: Exploring Notebook LM for Education:
Notebook LM is one of the hottest tools in education. Join us as we explore this free easy-to-use tool that is becoming a favorite of countless college students and professors, as well as K12 teachers and students. In this hands-on session, you will learn how to upload your existing documents, lecture slides, lesson plans, spreadsheets, websites, YouTube videos, etc. into a secure workspace to easily generate customized study guides, lessons, quizzes and activities. You will also learn how to use Notebook LM's built-in tools to create customizable podcast style audio reviews, presentation slides, reports, flashcards, infographics, and more.
Date: Tuesday, September 15,2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Beverly Ledbetter and Benjamin Donatelli
Cheque Please! The Case of the Curious Checkbook:
Step into the role of a financial detective and discover how a series of simple transactions can tell a powerful story using Ordeal by Cheque, a classic visual story told entirely through bank checks. In this hands-on workshop, teachers will reconstruct a life story from financial transactions while exploring how everyday financial records can serve as historical primary sources. Using financial literacy and history lens, participants will examine spending patterns, economic decisions, and real-world money concepts. Teachers will leave with engaging classroom strategies that integrate history, economics, math, and critical thinking while helping students learn to “follow the money.”
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Angel Danger and Adam Kloper
The Hidden Cost of Pseudoscience:
Pseudoscience isn’t just misleading—it’s expensive. From ineffective health products
to fraudulent “miracle cures,” pseudoscience costs Americans billions of dollars each
year while putting public trust and well-being at risk. This engaging teacher workshop
explores the real economic and societal impacts of pseudoscience and equips educators
with practical strategies to help students recognize and resist it.
Participants will also examine how real science—grounded in evidence, testing, and
revision—builds reliable knowledge. Through interactive, classroom-ready activities,
educators will gain tools to teach critical thinking and “prebunk” misinformation
before students encounter it.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Angel Danger and Lisa Lawson
Coaching Creativity: Sustainability & Entrepreneurship through the DooDad Challenge:
Reimagine waste as WOW! This hands-on workshop helps K–12 educators guide students in the Annual DooDad Sculpture Competition by blending creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurial thinking. Explore how recycled and repurposed materials support design thinking, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility. Learn practical strategies to coach students from idea to installation—refining concepts, selecting materials, and communicating their vision.
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Location: Gus A. Stavros Center 4111 ϳԹ Willow Dr. Tampa, Fl. 33620
Presenters: Brian Wassmuth and Andrew Tillman
All In? Understanding Youth Gambling and Classroom Prevention:
From classroom desks to the sidelines of major sports leagues, online gambling and prediction markets are capturing the attention of our youth like never before. This training explores how platforms like DraftKings, Hard Rock Bet, and Kalshi have seamlessly integrated into mainstream entertainment, social media, and daily student life. In this training, we will cover the rise and evolution of gamified betting and high-speed prediction markets and its effects on society. Teachers will walk away with a better understanding of the scope and scale of this trend and the impact that it is having on so many of us and our students.
October:
Thursday, Oct. 1 Funding your Classroom: A Stavros Center Grant Program
Tuesday, October 6 The Economics Arcade: Bringing Financial Literacy to Life
Thursday, October 8 Teaching Smarter with AI: Intermediate Notebook LM and Google AI Tools
Tuesday, October 13 The Price of the Pitch: Exploring the Economics of the Rays Stadium Project
Thursday, October 15 Implementing Civil Discourse
Tuesday, October 20 Zombieconomics: The Economics of Survival
Tuesday, October 27 Innovative Mindset #1
November
Thursday, November 5 A Seat at the Table: Eleanor Roosevelt and Economics of Equality
Thursday, November 12 Funding the Future
Tuesday, November 17 Sustainability Superheros Unwrap Gift Giving
December
Tuesday, December 1 The Failure Advantage: Innovation Through Productive Struggle
Thursday, December 3 Dinner and a Movie
Stavros Center Mailing List
Sign-up to receive emails about future events and activities hosted by the Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education.