TOPP for Teachers
Teacher Opportunity Progression Program (TOPP)
Growing our own Pre-K Teachers with Soar in 4 TOPPs
Growing our own Pre-K Teachers with Soar in 4 TOPPs.
Become an early learning teacher with tuition support and mentorship.Â
Paraprofessionals can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida.
WE ARE TOPPs
“The TOPP program has been life-changing for me. I could not attend school without the financial support. Thanks to TOPP’s I am living my dream of becoming a teacher. “
Susan Johnson
Gene Witt Elementary
VPK teacher in my third year at SCF.
“The TOPPS program is the reason I was able to get my Degree.“
Wanda Lorenz
Virgil Mills Elementary
The program helped me get started and set the road map for the course I needed to take. The people were so encouraging. I would not have followed my dream if I wasn’t a part of the TOPPS program. I could work my job as a para and take the course I needed to take. The other people in the TOPPS program with were very supportive and we helped each other figure out some bumps in the road.
I have been working as a VPK paraprofessional in Manatee County since 2015. I am a junior at SCF pursuing my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Yarelis Gonzalez
Blackburn Elementary
“I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and I am proud to say that this scholarship has made it possible for me to start working towards my goal!“
My name is Kellie Barr. I am a VPK teacher at Stewart Elementary. I am currently in my senior year working towards my bachelor’s degree in early childhood. I am so excited for this opportunity.
Kellie Barr
Stewart Elementary
“I am so grateful to be joining the TOPPS program! I will finally be able to further my career in early childhood education!“
“TOPPS is an opportunity. A chance to show my daughters what it means to never give up and pursue my career.“
Amanda Quirino
Blackburn Elementary
I am currently employed in a IPK (Integrated Pre-kindergarten) classroom as a paraprofessional.
I am in my Senior year, pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have three semesters to go. WHOOOOO!!!
“I own a business so finishing my degree just wasn’t in the cards for me until I heard about TOPPS. This program makes it possible for me to complete my degree when I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. “
Madi Miller
I am an IPK teacher’s aid at Palmetto Elementary. I am planning on attending SCF in the spring of 2025, and I have already previously completed my associates degree.
“ What TOPPS means to me is a new beginning on bettering myself and it will help me achieve my goal to help our future leaders. “
Carletta Brinson-James
Williams Elementary
I am a teacher’s aide in a VPK/EPK classroom and a sophomore in college.
I’m a mother of two boys. I have 8 years of experience working with children. I’m a IPK Para at McNeal Elementary School, and this is my third year working in an IPK classroom. I’ve always known at a young age, that I wanted to work in the education field and become a teacher. I want to make a difference in a child’s life, the way my teachers made a difference in my life. I’ve watched how my teachers throughout the years work with me, that helped me achieve academic success based on my education plan. T
Whitney Gavin
“This will be my freshman year at SCF. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to pursue and advance my career in early childhood education, thru the Topp’s Program.“
I am the VPK Teacher starting the 23-24 school year at Myakka City Elementary.
I am a sophomore at SCF.
I’ve attached a picture of myself with my fur-baby Beatrice.
Christal Cashmore
Myakka Elementary
“I am very excited to be a TOPP and extremely appreciative for this program which has made finishing my degree in Early Childhood Education and furthering my career more accessible. “
“As a first-generation college student, I had no idea where to start with anything. The TOPPS Program is a hand up support program that will guide and support me in every step to accomplish my teaching degree. “
Brittany Aca-Orea
Samoset
SCF School Year enrolled: Freshman Year
“It has been a blessing being a part of TOPS. The program has allowed me to go back to school while working full time.“
Shawna Tillberg
My name is Shawna Tillberg and I am a VPK para at Williams Elementary. I am a mom to three daughters and have two golden retrievers. This is my second year at SCF, I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree. It has been a blessing being a part of TOPS. The program has allowed me to go back to school while working full time.
’23-’24 Excellence in Education Support Person Nominee
Hello, my name is Jen Harper and I am a VPK teacher at Williams Elementary. I am currently in my senior year at SCF and graduating in May with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education! Being a TOPP has been such a blessing. I have been able to continue my education, reach out to others in the community through Soar in 4, and meet so many other great educators.
Jen Harper
Williams Elementary
“Being a TOPP has been such a blessing. I have been able to continue my education, reach out to others in the community through Soar in 4, and meet so many other great educators.“
