by Nichole Smith, Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy was well represented at the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) Annual Convention in Jacksonville on November 21, as four faculty members, Dr. Caryn Long, Ms. Melissa Benner, Mrs. Kara Hymel, and Mr. Jonathan Stalma, presented dynamic, research-based sessions to fellow educators from across the state.
Dr. Long delivered a highly attended session focused on understanding and supporting Generation Alpha. “My presentation was on Generation Alpha and their particular needs for successful education. These students need hands-on interaction, colorful and engaging displays, opportunities for collaborative learning, multimodal instruction, and technology blended into their lessons. They are a generation that seeks sustainable solutions, are entrepreneurial, and are born into tech. The session was standing room only!” she shared. Her talk emphasized the importance of meeting the learning preferences of today’s youngest students through creativity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.
Ms. Benner presented on the power of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Reflecting on her session, she noted, “I loved talking about how celebrating misconceptions can totally change the vibe of a classroom by helping students feel safe, supported, and even excited to take on tough problems. When kids know mistakes lead to real learning, they’re so much more willing to jump in and try. Getting to share this with other educators and collaborate was such a boost to my own growth as a teacher, too.” Her approach highlights the importance of classroom culture in fostering resilience, confidence, and academic risk-taking.
Meanwhile, English faculty members Mrs. Hymel and Mr. Stalma co-presented a session that showcased the academic value of mock trials. As Mr. Stalma stated, “We delivered an engaging session titled ‘Order In The Classroom! Using Mock Trials for Textual Analysis.’ The presentation explored how the structure and energy of courtroom simulations can deepen students’ understanding of both literary and nonfiction texts.”
Their collaborative presentation demonstrated how this instructional strategy supports multiple dimensions of learning. Mrs. Hymel focused on literary interpretation, explaining that the process sharpened students’ close-reading skills, encouraged evidence-based interpretation, and fostered thoughtful dialogue around character motivation, theme, and social commentary in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. “Presenting at FCIS was a privilege,” said Mrs. Hymel. “I am so grateful for the chance to show how courtroom simulations can push students beyond surface-level reading. When they argue, question, and defend, their understanding of literature and nonfiction grows sharper and more intentional.”
Mr. Stalma addressed nonfiction applications, noting that mock trials help students “evaluate claims, assess credibility, synthesize information from multiple sources, and develop real-world argumentative skills for the debate of whether historical figures of achievement and notoriety should be judged by current morals and standards.”
Together, the pair “offered educators a dynamic, classroom-ready framework for transforming textual analysis into an interactive and highly engaging learning experience.”
Through their contributions at FCIS, all four Montverde Academy faculty members shared innovative approaches and practical insights, further establishing the school as a leader in forward-thinking, student-centered education.
