Miami, FL
Miami-Dade Schools joins forces with Teacher Accelerator Program to address critical shortage
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, Florida faced a staggering challenge: over 5000 teaching positions remained unfilled.
This shortage, attributed to a variety of factors including low wages, political pressures in the classroom, and increased stressors, has deterred many college students from pursuing careers in education.
The crisis persists, which is evident in Miami-Dade where approximately 70 core instructional teacher positions remain vacant.
In response, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school district, is taking proactive measures.
On Friday, they are formalizing a partnership with the Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) through a memorandum of understanding.
TAP, an initiative of Achieve Miami, aims to alleviate the teacher shortage by offering a streamlined pathway into the profession for college students who did not major in education.
Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Jose Dotres highlighted that around 60 percent of the teachers they hire come from non-traditional educational backgrounds.
“This program provides an opportunity for you to prepare before you enter the classroom,” said Dotres.
Dotres expressed personal resonance with the initiative, noting that he, too, could have benefited from such a program during his college years.
“I would have probably entered in this program because I was a career changer,” he said.
The program offers interested individuals a one-semester course, followed by a paid six-week summer internship. Successful completion leads to state certification and a guaranteed teaching position in a Miami-Dade public school.
Jasmine Calin-Micek, TAP’s Senior Director, noted that the initiative has already seen success, with initial cohorts now actively teaching in classrooms.
“We’ve had an opportunity of one of our first cohorts already go through—they’re in the classroom now,” she said.
The program, which began with 40 students at the University of Miami last year, has now expanded to include approximately 150 participants from institutions such as Miami-Dade College and Florida International University.
Leslie Miller Saiontz, Founder and President of Achieve Miami, emphasized the program’s dual benefit of serving the community while providing enriching experiences for participants.
“What a great opportunity to come in, give back to your community,” said Miller Saiontz, adding, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if you get hooked.”
For more information on the Teacher Accelerated Program, click here.
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Three people were hurt after a building caught fire on Lincoln Road on Sunday, according to authorities.
The Miami Beach Fire Department said it was working a fire near 230 Lincoln Road.
The flames had spread from a fire in a manhole that “ignited an FPL vault of an adjacent building,” officials said.
Three people were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with minor injuries.
The building was evacuated, and FPL has shut off power to the surrounding area, the fire department said.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area of Collins Avenue between 16th and 17th streets while crews worked the scene.
Miami, FL
“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Tommie Lee among 6 arrested during World Cup match in Miami, sheriff says
Reality television personality Tommie Lee — whose real name is Atasha Jefferson — best known for her appearances on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” was among six people arrested during the England vs. Norway FIFA World Cup match in Miami on Saturday, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said 60,024 fans attended the match. Deputies also reported 19 ejections from the stadium, adding that all incidents were isolated and handled quickly.
Authorities have not yet released the circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest or any charges she may face.
A social media account that regularly reports celebrity news claimed Sunday that Jefferson was arrested July 11 and released July 12 after posting a $1,000 bond. The post also alleged she is facing a felony charge of interference with a sporting or entertainment event and said she later shared a video on Snapchat appearing to be in good spirits after her release.
What we don’t know
CBS News has not independently verified those claims, including the reported charge, bond amount or release information, and Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not publicly confirmed those details.
CBS News has also not independently verified what led to the encounter, and the sheriff’s office has not said what prompted deputies to take Jefferson into custody.
CBS News has requested Jefferson’s arrest report, booking information and any charging documents from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. A request for comment has also been sent to Jefferson’s representatives.
Reality TV star’s legal troubles in South Florida amid World Cup festivities
Jefferson rose to national prominence as one of the breakout personalities on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” before later appearing on several Zeus Network reality series, where she has remained a frequent cast member.
This is not Jefferson’s first legal issue in South Florida. In 2024, she was arrested in Miami Beach on a battery charge following an incident outside LIV Nightclub. Court records from that case alleged she physically confronted another person before officers took her into custody.
Saturday’s arrest comes as Miami continues hosting FIFA World Cup matches that have drawn tens of thousands of fans from around the world. Despite the arrests and ejections, the sheriff’s office said the event proceeded safely and described the incidents as isolated.
This is a developing story. CBS News will update this article as additional information, including the exact circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest and any charges, becomes available.
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